Ancelotti confirms Raphinha will return for Brazil vs Norway: ‘Not quite at 100%, but he’s available’

Ancelotti confirms Raphinha will return for Brazil vs Norway: ‘Not quite at 100%, but he’s available’ Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Barcelona winger Raphinha will be available for tonigh’s World Cup Round-of-16 clash against Norway after recovering from a muscle injury, although he is not yet ready to start. The experienced winger has returned to full training and could make his comeback from the bench if needed. Not 100% but available if needed Speaking ahead of the knockout match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Ancelotti explained that Raphinha has made excellent progress in his recovery. Raphinha is back. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) “Raphinha is making good progress. He’s not quite at 100 % yet, but he’s available to be on the bench in case he needs to play a few minutes or come on at key moments,” said Ancelotti, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo . Raphinha has been sidelined since June 19 after sustaining a hamstring injury during Brazil’s group-stage match against Haiti. As a result, he missed the team’s previous two matches against Scotland (group stage) and Japan (Round of 32). There were fears that the Barcelona captain could end up missing the rest of the tournament , but he has recovered quickly. Ancelotti praised the speed of the winger’s rehabilitation and highlighted his importance to the national team. “He has recovered very well and very quickly. We are very happy about this because Raphinha is a very, very important player for the team,” said the former Real Madrid boss. Raphinha’s return a big boost for Brazil. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) The 29-year-old rejoined full training on Friday and completed another session on Saturday without any visible discomfort. Brazil urging caution Brazil’s key midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also revealed that Raphinha is back and ready and is eager to return to action. “He’s ready and has been training… Let’s see what the manager (Ancelotti) decides,” the Newcastle captain told reporters. Despite his availability, Brazil’s coaching staff are expected to manage his minutes carefully. After all, the 29-year-old has been bothered by hamstring issues all throughout the season. Unless the situation demands it, Raphinha is unlikely to play a major role against Norway, with the expectation that he could be fully fit for a potential quarter-final against either England or Mexico.