Raphinha's call-up for Brazil's November fixtures has officially been confirmed. Hansi Flick's coaching staff will once again be keeping their fingers crossed that their star player stays fit and returns without any setbacks. Carlo Ancelotti will have the Brazilian winger at his disposal for two matches to be played on the other side of the world.
Barcelona has received some unwelcome news in recent hours. With just a few hours remaining before their clash against Deportivo Alavés and with the squad already dealing with numerous injuries, Raphinha's inclusion in Brazil's squad for November has now been made official. Carlo Ancelotti has call up the Barcelona captain for the final international break of 2026.
Through its social media accounts and official website, the Brazilian Football Federation announced the squad for the friendlies against Japan and Singapore on November 14 and November 17. These will be Brazil's final two matches of the year following a disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign that produced the team's worst results of the 21st century.
Barcelona is concerned about the long journeys Raphinha will have to undertake to play these matches in Asia. Brazil will face Japan in their first friendly at Singapore National Stadium, meaning Raphinha will have to endure a round trip involving approximately 20 hours of travel. These journeys will undoubtedly take place aboard comfortable aircraft, but Barcelona has previously suffered from the physical toll of similar situations, with its star players having to travel halfway around the world for friendlies that are far from being top-level contests.
Brazil's decision to play against Singapore could be understood as Carlo Ancelotti's desire to test second-string players. However, it also reflects the Brazilian Football Federation's financial interests in finding opponents willing to pay the most money to host the five-time world champions. Barcelona is concerned about the physical strain Raphinha will face, both from traveling to Asia and from playing matches where the pitch conditions are unlikely to resemble those he encounters every weekend in European football.
Other names in Carlo Ancelotti's squad include Vinícius and Endrick. Éder Militão will not be involved. Having recently returned from injury, he is still trying to regain his competitive rhythm ahead of the second half of the season. Barcelona will once again be keeping its fingers crossed over Raphinha's call-up for two matches thousands of miles away from Camp Nou.