Raphinha ends vacation, returns for specialized training under Flick ahead of La Liga opener

Hupu Football News – July 29

According to Ferran Correa, a reporter for Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona captain and key player Raphinha has ended his vacation. After spending time with his family in Orlando and Ibiza, the Brazilian winger will join Hansi Flick's training sessions at St George's Park starting this Wednesday, as he prepares for Barcelona's La Liga opener against Elche on August 23.

One of Flick's primary objectives for the new season is to help Raphinha regain his peak form.

World Cup Setback

Raphinha's performance at the World Cup was below expectations. He started the first two group-stage matches but was forced off in the 39th minute of the second game against Haiti due to a right thigh muscle injury. He did not feature again, and Brazil was eliminated early by Norway in the Round of 16. The minor injury is expected to have fully healed, and Raphinha is focused on rediscovering his best form from the very first minute of training.

Contract and Commitment

Raphinha's contract runs until June 30, 2028. Despite receiving a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, he has repeatedly stated that he will not leave Barcelona this summer. His goal is to continue competing for all honors with the club while playing a key role.

In Flick's first season in charge, Raphinha delivered a record-breaking campaign:

• 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 games
• All career records shattered

Injury Challenges

The Brazilian acknowledges the difficulty of replicating last season's extraordinary numbers, but he has consistently proven his importance to the team. With Raphinha on the pitch, Barcelona's attacking threat improves significantly, and their high press becomes more effective.

However, injuries limited him to just 33 appearances for Barcelona last season, during which he scored 21 goals. He suffered two severe hamstring injuries:

• The first was aggravated by an attempted return for the Clásico at the Bernabéu, prolonging his recovery.
• The second occurred while playing for the Brazilian national team.

New Fitness Coach, Personalized Plan

Flick and Raphinha have jointly set the goal of returning to his peak form from two years ago. To achieve this, they will rely on new fitness director Benjamin Kügel, who replaces Julio Tous. Flick distanced himself from Tous precisely because of Raphinha's previous injury relapse.

Kügel has tailored a specific training program for Raphinha aimed at helping him return to his best level. This would allow Barcelona to field a formidable attacking lineup featuring Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and new signings Gordon and Adeyemi.

Source: Mundo Deportivo

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