Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is seeking to carefully balance his squad’s workload, placing a particular emphasis on managing the fitness of captain Raphinha following his recent recovery from injury.

The German coach expressed clear apprehension over the winger’s physical condition as the club enters a demanding stretch of the season.

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The concerns stem from the previous international window in September, when Barcelona’s No. 11 returned to Spain with a muscular injury sustained while away on duty.

Having witnessed the physical toll of that period, Flick made no secret of his dissatisfaction regarding the forward’s inclusion in the latest national squad.

“I’ve spoken to Deco. He’s a very important player, and after the break from the last international window, he returned injured. It’s not the best situation.

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“But that’s how things are, we can’t do anything about it. Rapha has the club in his heart, but if the national team calls him up, he wants to be there.

“Everyone wants to help the Brazil team. If we can manage his playing time, I’d be happy. It’s not ideal to go back and forth to Singapore. But it’s out of my hands.”

Brazil take on Japan and Singapore in two friendly games in Kallang on November 14th and 17th.