Raphinha injury update: Barcelona star returns to pitch training; still uncertain to play against Norway

Raphinha injury update: Barcelona star returns to pitch training; still uncertain to play against Norway Brazil have received a huge sigh of relief ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 encounter with Norway after Raphinha returned to on-field training for the first time since suffering his latest injury setback.  However, the Barcelona forward’s availability for Sunday’s knockout clash remains in doubt. According to SPORT , the Brazilian international is progressing as expected in his recovery, but the coaching staff is unwilling to take unnecessary risks with one of their key attacking players. Raphinha injury update offers Brazil encouragement The latest Raphinha injury update suggests the Barcelona winger is moving in the right direction after sustaining a muscle problem during Brazil’s group-stage encounter against Haiti. The 29-year-old was forced off during the first half of that match and was later diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain in his right hamstring, an area that has troubled him repeatedly throughout the season. Initial assessments indicated that the Brazilian would be sidelined for around two weeks , effectively ruling him out of Brazil’s next two World Cup fixtures.  Raphinha picked up a hamstring injury. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) That prediction proved accurate as Raphinha missed the 3-0 victory over Scotland and the dramatic 2-1 triumph against Japan in the Round of 32. Since picking up the injury, the Barcelona attacker has remained under close supervision by Brazil’s medical department.  While the squad travelled for their last two matches, Raphinha stayed behind in New Jersey, where he underwent three personalised rehabilitation sessions per day. His return to pitch training marks an important stage in the Raphinha recovery process as he enters the final phase before receiving clearance to train fully with the rest of the squad. Brazil remain cautious over Raphinha’s return date Despite the positive signs, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti and his staff are determined not to rush the player’s comeback. Raphinha’s participation in the Norway game is uncertain. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Ancelotti is expected to assess Raphinha’s condition further during Thursday’s training session, which could prove decisive in determining whether the Barcelona winger’s injury situation has improved enough for him to feature against Norway. Brazil want to avoid aggravating the problem, particularly given Raphinha’s recent history with hamstring issues. Notably, while there is optimism surrounding the player’s recovery, reports emerging from Brazil indicate that Raphinha may still be unavailable for the Round of 16 clash.  Those reports suggest his return date could be pushed back until a potential quarter-final tie on July 11. That would represent another frustrating setback for the winger, who has become an important figure for both club and country over the past year.