Back in Barcelona after an exhausting international journey, Raphinha has returned to training only once the swelling in his right thigh had settled. The Brazilian captain’s recovery has required patience, not only because of the muscle issue itself but also because disrupted sleep after travelling with Brazil added another concern for Hansi Flick’s staff.
The 29-year-old suffered oedema in the same area of his thigh where he has twice been injured previously while on international duty. With 14 goals in eight matches, his value to Barcelona’s attack is obvious, but the coaching staff also regard him as central to the team’s defensive work, particularly in setting the tone for the press.
That made a cautious return unavoidable. Raphinha and the club did not want to risk a recurrence, especially after the player struggled with insomnia following Brazil’s trip to Australia. The journey involved almost 24 hours in the air and a nine-hour time difference between Australia and Barcelona, conditions that proved difficult to overcome despite efforts to limit the impact of jet lag.
Barcelona had prepared for the trip by involving Anna West, the sleep specialist who works with the first team. Even so, Raphinha found it hard to rest after returning to Catalonia, and the lack of sleep was treated as an additional factor that could increase the risk of another injury.
West visits Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva twice a month and was at the training complex last week, having also met the squad before the international break. Her work with the players includes advice on regular sleeping schedules, relaxation methods and the use of suitable lighting to help prepare the body for sleep.
For Barcelona, the episode underlines how international football can leave its mark well beyond the match itself. Raphinha is fit again, but his reintegration has been managed with the care expected around one of the side’s most productive and influential players.
