‘Nothing we can do’ – Barcelona react to Raphinha’s Brazil call-up

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has addressed Raphinha's recent Brazil call-up, revealing that the club has no control over the situation. The Brazilian forward is set to embark on another long international trip, with Brazil set to face friendlies against Japan and Singapore. Raphinha had returned from the previous Australian trip with an injury, but Flick acknowledged that the club is accepting their captain will have to attend these matches.

"It’s a topic I’ve discussed with Deco. He’s a very important player," Flick told a news conference. "Before the last international break, he arrived injured. It wasn’t the best situation. But that’s how it is. There’s nothing we can do. I know Rapha is captain here, but he’s also Brazilian, and when his national team calls him up, he’s there."

Flick expressed hope that Barcelona can manage Raphinha's playing time, but admitted that traveling to Singapore is not an ideal situation. The club will be keeping fingers crossed for Raphinha's safe return in November, without any further injuries.