RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesBarcelona coach determined to get the best out of Brazilian star through a specialised training plan
Raphinha endured a campaign to forget on the injury front last season, with a series of muscle problems repeatedly disrupting his rhythm at Barcelona.
The Brazilian’s frustration only deepened at the World Cup, where a hamstring injury effectively ruled him out of Brazil’s disappointing campaign, which ended in a shock defeat to Norway.
Now, with a fresh season on the horizon, Hansi Flick is determined to get the very best out of one of his most important players.
A personalised plan for Raphinha
Raphinha will look to return to his groove next season. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)
According to Mundo Deportivo , Barcelona have prepared a specialised, individualised training programme designed to help Raphinha regain his physical strength and rediscover his best form.
The club’s priority, much like the player’s, is to finally put an end to the recurring muscle issues that have plagued him and cost him numerous matches.
Last season alone, a hamstring problem sidelined him for five weeks, coinciding with Barcelona’s exits from the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, before a relapse of the same injury wrecked his World Cup ambitions.
Flick clearly views Raphinha as central to his plans. Despite the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, the German has no intention of moving on a player who was instrumental in Barcelona’s five trophies under his stewardship.
Raphinha ready to turn the page
Raphinha is said to be equally determined to move forward and rediscover the form that made him a Ballon d’Or contender during Flick’s first season in charge.
The winger is scheduled to join up with the squad for the training camp in England, which runs until August 3rd and features friendlies against Birmingham City and Preston North End.
All eyes on Raphinha’s fitness and form ahead of the new season. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Barcelona have not ruled out the possibility of him arriving even sooner to travel with the rest of the group.
Since Brazil’s elimination, Raphinha has spent three weeks recovering from his latest muscle problem and recharging, spending time with his family in Orlando and Ibiza.
No exit on the cards
Amid the noise surrounding him, including a supposed offer from Al-Hilal that never materialised , Raphinha’s future at Barcelona is not in any doubt.
His entourage insist he has never once considered leaving, a stance echoed emphatically by president Joan Laporta. “ We have no intention of him leaving Barça,” Laporta stated.
With his fitness restored and his focus renewed, Raphinha now has the chance to remind everyone of his enormous quality.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.