Big boost for Barcelona as Brazil consider sending star attacker back after red card vs Japan

Big boost for Barcelona as Brazil consider sending star attacker back after red card vs Japan Raphinha endured one of the most frustrating games of the season so far as Brazil fell to a 3-2 defeat to Japan in a friendly in Singapore. The forward had started the game as a right winger and was taken off in the 71st minute. He then witnessed Brazil concede a late winner, leaving him and Carlo Ancelotti frustrated, as they complained to the referees about a foul in the lead-up to the goal. Both of them were shown a red card for their protest , which effectively leaves Raphinha unavailable for the next friendly against Singapore. Brazil consider sending Raphinha back It was a frustrating evening for Raphinha vs Japan. (Photo by Ashok Kumar/Getty Images) According to Diario SPORT , Brazil is now considering sending Raphinha back after he picked up a red card against Japan. The forward won’t be available for the friendly against Singapore, as FIFA laws for red cards apply to friendlies as well. That means Raphinha won’t be able to play against Singapore, and Ancelotti cannot be on the touchline either. This leaves Raphinha’s presence in the Brazil team practically useless, as the Selecao are only playing two friendly this international break. Return to Barcelona makes most sense Hansi Flick would love to have Raphinha return to Barcelona. (Photo by Ashok Kumar/Getty Images) Raphinha’s early return to Barcelona, therefore, is the most logical outcome for all parties involved. The Brazilian has already asked Ancelotti to manage his game-time due to his injury concerns in the past and the fact that he doesn’t want to pick up an injury at this crucial juncture of the campaign. An early return to Barcelona, to that end, could help him recover from the long travel to Singapore and the forward can continue his preparation at Ciutat Esportiva. Barcelona’s next game is against Villarreal next Sunday, where the Catalans simply cannot afford to lose points, especially with Real Madrid currently on a run of eight consecutive wins in all competitions. Raphinha’s presence in that game could prove to be crucial. So it will be interesting to see whether or not the former Leeds United star will be given the green light to return to Barcelona this week.