Barcelona winger trains separately after demanding World Cup opener – Trouble for just caution?

Barcelona winger trains separately after demanding World Cup opener – Trouble for just caution? Barcelona were given a brief scare this week after Raphinha was spotted training away from the main Brazil squad.  However, according to a report from SPORT , the situation is not linked to any injury concern and is instead part of a carefully planned workload management programme. The Brazilian winger did not participate in Monday’s training session at the same intensity as the rest of the group at Columbia Park in Morristown. His absence from the main drills attracted attention, especially given his importance for both Brazil and Barcelona. Despite the initial concern, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has reportedly moved to calm fears, stressing that the decision was purely preventive as the team looks to keep key players fresh during the World Cup. Brazil adopt preventive plan for key players Raphinha did not train with the main group. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) According to the outlet, Raphinha was not the only player placed on an individual programme, with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and defender Gabriel Magalhaes also training separately from the main group. The trio joined the pitch a few minutes after the rest of the squad and completed lower-intensity exercises designed to reduce physical strain.  Rather than risking fatigue-related problems, the technical staff opted for a cautious approach.  The objective is to keep some of Brazil’s most important players available and fully fit for the next matches. A tough outing for Raphinha vs Morocco The decision to ease Raphinha’s workload appears understandable when looking back at Brazil’s recent 1-1 draw against Morocco. Raphinha was exhausted afte the Morocco game. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) In that match, the Barcelona winger gave everything during the contest and was visibly exhausted by the final whistle. Images after the match showed him collapsing onto the pitch after an intense 90-minute performance. A day after the match, the Brazil squad initially completed recovery work before returning to regular training.  Even so, the coaching staff chose not to expose Raphinha to the same physical demands as the rest of the group during Monday’s session. Simply put, the move is viewed as a preventive measure rather than a reaction to any specific injury issue.