Barcelona Team News Page 4 - Soccer

Raphinha - Likely out of World Cup with injury Raphinha suffered a hamstring tear in the 40th minute of Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti and is unlikely to play again in the World Cup, according to Xavi Hernandez Navarro of Diario a...

Impact Raphinha was forced off in the 40th minute after feeling discomfort in his right thigh, with tests confirming a fibre tear in the hamstring, the same muscle that has repeatedly sidelined him this season. His World Cup is now practically over, dealing a major blow to Brazil's attacking options, with Rayan, Luiz Henrique or Lucas Paqueta shifted into a wide role among the possible replacements.

JUNE 20 • ROTOWIRE

Marcus Rashford - Returns to training Rashford (hamstring) has returned to training after a minor muscle niggle, according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.

Impact Rashford came off the bench to score England's fourth goal in the victory over Croatia but left the game with concerns over a tight hamstring. He is now back on the training pitch for the first time since and that puts him back in contention for a place on the left wing. Whether he starts ahead of Anthony Gordon will ultimately come down to his fitness levels and the judgment of coach Thomas Tuchel.

JUNE 20 • ROTOWIRE

Lamine Yamal - Could Start, full 90 unlikely Yamal is not yet fit to play 90 minutes but could start or see increased minutes, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said when asked about the possibility of him starting, per El Corr...

Impact Coach Luis de la Fuente had mapped out a careful return to action for Yamal with the plan to build his minutes steadily but the draw against Cape Verde has complicated that thinking. Spain struggled to break down a low defensive block without him and when Yamal came on the difference was immediately visible as his directness and ability to unsettle defenders stood out. That kind of impact could put pressure on the coach to consider starting him sooner than intended. It remains unclear whether He will alter his approach but a full 90 minutes looks off the table regardless.

JUNE 20 • ROTOWIRE

Frenkie De Jong - Starts against Sweden De Jong (lower body) is in the starting lineup for the Netherlands' game against Sweden.

Impact De Jong was considered doubtful heading into the game after picking up a lower body issue following a collision with Quinten Timber, though little detail was made available about the severity of the injury. It appears to have been minor however, with the midfielder confirmed in the starting lineup for the Netherlands' second group game against Sweden.

JUNE 20 • ROTOWIRE

Lamine Yamal Says It's 'Still Too Soon' For Him To Start For Spain At The World Cup

Lamine Yamal is not feeling 100% fit and is not likely to start for Spain in the match against Saudi Arabia on Sunday at the World Cup.

JUNE 19 • FOX SPORTS

Lamine Yamal Says It's 'Still Too Soon' For Him To Start For Spain At The World Cup

Raphinha - Thigh injury confirmed Raphinha has been diagnosed with a thigh injury and is waiting on further assessment, according to the CBF, per Raisa Simplicio of GOAL Brazil. "The attacker Raphinha felt pain in...

Impact Raphinha had to exit against Haiti and is now waiting on further assessment, with a thigh injury to be examined. This is a bit frightening for Brazil, as anything more than a minor injury could stop him from playing at the World Cup again. That said, his involvment from their final group stage is unlikely, as they will not want to risk him either way. A returning Neymar (calf) could fill his spot, with Rayan or Luiz Henrique as other options.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Raphinha - Off with apparent hamstring injury Raphinha was forced off the field in the 40th minute of Friday's match against Haiti due to an apparent hamstring injury.

Impact Raphinha entered the match against Haiti with a few question marks due to some foot blisters, but now appears to have suffered a new injury, as he pointed to his hamstring before being taken off by the medical staff. He was able to walk off on his own weight, but the substitution coming immediately does bring some worry despite the cautious approach after taking the lead. This could end the group stage for the Brazilian, as he would be a major part of any run they make, and the federation will not want to risk his health. If this is the case, changes will be made for the group stage finale against Scotland, with Gabriel Martinelli, Luiz Henrique and Rayan all possible options.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Frenkie De Jong - In question to face Sweden De Jong is uncertain for Saturday's match against Sweden due to an apparent lower-body injury, according to manager Ronald Koeman, per Mike Verveij and Jeroen Kapteijns of De Teleg...

Impact De Jong looks to be a possible absence for the Netherlands decisive match against Sweden, as the midfielder came out of their opener injured alongside fellow midfielder Quinten Timber. This will leave the midfielder to be tested and tried out before the contest, leaving him as a true late call. The team hopes to have him available, as he is a key starter, and Timber (concussion) was likely the first midfield replacement. That said, if de Jong is left out, Guus Til or Marten De Roon would be given the start.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Raphinha - Starts Friday Raphinha (foot) is in the starting XI for Friday's match against Haiti.

Impact Raphinha is back in the squad as expected Friday, as the attacker returns despite some worries of foot blisters being a nuisance. He reclaims his typical role in the attack and will look to capitalize against a weaker Haitian defense. That said, he went without a goal contribution in their opening 1-1 draw against Morocco.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Marcus Rashford - Absent from training Rashford didn't train Friday due to a tight hamstring, according to Charlie Wyett of The Sun.

Impact Rashford scored England's fourth goal in the win over Croatia but later complained about a tight hamstring, so his absence from training could be something to monitor. Rashford didn't participate in England's practice game Thursday, in which the Three Lions defeated Sporting KC by a 5-1 score, although the coaching staff is hoping the winger can return to training over the weekend. Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers are options to play on the left wing if Rashford isn't available for the June 23 matchup against Ghana.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Raphinha - Set to start against Haiti Raphinha will start Brazil's World Cup fixture against Haiti on Friday despite dealing with blisters on his feet that limited some of his training, according to Globo Esporte.

Impact Raphinha's inclusion in the expected starting lineup is a major lift for Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil chase their first win of the tournament, though the Barcelona playmaker is unlikely to see a full workload while managing the issue in a favorable matchup against Haiti. Raphinha contributed two shots and three chances created in the opener against Morocco and will look to find his first goal contribution against the Grenadiers.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Cucurella joins unique list of Real Madrid players with a past in Barcelona's youth system Three names in this list are playing at the World Cup currently

JUNE 19 • MANAGINGMADRID.COM

Raphinha - Still expected to start Raphinha (foot) is likely an option for the starting XI as Brazil face Haiti on Friday, according to Planeta do Futebol.

Impact Raphinha looks to be heading towards an appearance Friday, as despite some missed training due to foot blisters, the Brazilian appears to be an option. This is major news for the squad, as they look to get their first win of the tournament. As of now, he will still appear to be set to start, although more is set to be decided ahead of the contest. He is unlikely to play the entire match either way, as Brazil should handle Haiti.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Joao Cancelo - Five crosses in draw Cancelo generated five crosses (one accurate) and two tackles in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

Impact Cancelo had a second-half goal ruled out for offside in Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo, volleying into the net in the 54th minute after Joao Neves controlled the ball and picked him out inside the area. He was also active in the first half, advancing down the right and sending a low cross toward Cristiano Ronaldo in the 28th minute as Portugal looked to build on its early lead. Cancelo's attacking involvement gave Portugal width and urgency, but the final product was not enough to break down DR Congo after halftime. Cancelo ended the game with five crosses (one accurate), two tackles, one interception and four clearances and will look to contribute more in the second game against Uzbekistan on June 23.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Raphinha - Suffers blisters on foot Raphinha is dealing with blisters on his feet and is being carefully managed by Brazil's coaching staff ahead of Friday's clash against Haiti, according to Cahe Mota of Globo.

Impact Raphinha led Brazil in chances created and crosses during the opening draw against Morocco, though his overall performance fell short of the standards he set during a prolific club season with 31 goals and 17 assists between La Liga and the Champions League. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has not yet confirmed whether Luiz Henrique will replace him in the lineup as the staff monitor his condition, with the Barcelona forward's workload being managed carefully heading into the rest of the tournament.

JUNE 17 • ROTOWIRE

Marcus Rashford - Goal from bench Rashford recorded one goal on one shot in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Croatia.

Impact Rashford came onto the field with only 18 minutes to play but was exceptional in his short shift, earning a goal on a great run in the 85th minute to put the game to bed. This would come on his lone shot of the game, nearly earning another big chance, but he failed to be clinical when it mattered most. He should now challenge Anthony Gordon on the left flank for a starting role next contest, as he is in very great form.

JUNE 17 • ROTOWIRE

Barcelona issued new Julian Alvarez transfer warning as Atletico Madrid president refuses to budge on €500m price tag

Barcelona's pursuit of Julian Alvarez has hit a significant roadblock after Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo issued a stern warning...

JUNE 17 • goal

Barcelona issued new Julian Alvarez transfer warning as Atletico Madrid president refuses to budge on €500m price tag

Bernardo Silva completes free transfer to Real Madrid as Man City icon links up with Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid have secured one of the biggest coups of the summer by officially confirming the arrival of Bernardo Silva on a free transfer fr...

JUNE 17 • goal

Bernardo Silva completes free transfer to Real Madrid as Man City icon links up with Jose Mourinho

Jules Kounde - Four tackles in victory Kounde had three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Senegal.

Impact Kounde helped steady a French back line that weathered an uneasy opening stretch before taking control for the rest of the match, limiting Senegal to very few dangerous looks after Nicolas Jackson's early effort off the post and rebound. He was part of a defensive unit that slammed the door after halftime as France seized command of the contest, finishing with four tackles, four clearances and one chance created from three crosses. Kounde's poise will face an even bigger test as France runs into tougher competition in the knockout rounds, and the Blaugrana defender will be aiming for a stronger start next time out after what was likely his roughest first half in a France shirt.

JUNE 17 • ROTOWIRE

Jules Kounde - Starts World Cup opener Kounde (strain) is in the starting XI for Tuesday's World Cup opener against Senegal.

Impact Kounde made a full recovery from the muscular strain that had forced him off during the friendly against Northern Ireland, with the Barcelona right-back back in full training within 48 hours of the match and showing no limitations heading into the tournament opener. His presence at right-back is a significant boost for France's defensive setup, with his more conservative approach in the position providing the platform for Theo Hernandez to express himself offensively on the left flank without defensive responsibilities weighing on him. The balance provided by the two full-backs is a key tactical element for coach Didier Deschamps, and having Kounde fully fit and available without any restrictions on his playing time is exactly the news Les Bleus needed heading into the World Cup.

JUNE 16 • ROTOWIRE

Goal-scoring midfielder Weir joins OL Lyonnes from Real Madrid

Goal-scoring midfielder Caroline Weir has joined French champion OL Lyonnes from Real Madrid on a three-year contract

JUNE 16 • Associated Press

Gavi - Quiet in WC opener Gavi recorded one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Cape Verde.

Impact Gavi started on the left side of the attack in Spain's World Cup opener, playing out of position due to Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal not quite being fit enough to start. Gavi was fairly ineffective, only attempting one off-target shot and failing to create a chance despite his side being on the attack for nearly the entire match. He was subbed off in the 71st minute for the aforementioned Yamal who immediately provided more dynamism to the Spain attack. With Yamal and Williams now fit, Gavi will almost certainly return to the bench for Sunday's match versus Saudi Arabia.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Lamine Yamal - Makes World Cup debut Yamal generated two shots (zero on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

Impact Yamal, who has not played in any match since April 22 due to a hamstring injury, was an option off the bench Monday. Manager Luis de la Fuente likely would have wanted to keep him off the field in what was expected to be an easy victory, but with Spain's attack struggling to find a winner, Yamal subbed onto the pitch in the 71st minute to make his World Cup debut. He did not look hampered by his injury at all, and Spain's attack looked much more threatening once his pace and skill was on the field. Despite his seven crosses and two shot attempts, he still wasn't able to help find a winner. It's unclear if Yamal will now return to the starting XI Sunday versus Saudi Arabia, but a victory in that match is now even more important after dropping points Monday, so Yamal will likely be involved one way or another.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Lamine Yamal - 19 minutes in goalless draw Yamal appeared for 19 minutes off the bench while recording two shots and seven crosses in the 0-0 draw to Cape Verde.

Impact Yamal returned to the field after some injury worries, as the attacker appeared off the bench in the 19th minute. With Spain on the front foot most of the match, he would see some decent work despite the minimal time on the field, recording two shots and seven crosses. He should now return to the starting XI after the upset draw, as Spain has little room to slip up now after doing so in their opener.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Pedri - Creative versus Cape Verde Pedri generated two shots (one on goal), 11 crosses (three accurate) and eight corners in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Cape Verde. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd m...

Impact Pedri unsurprisingly started Spain's opening match of the World Cup, completing an elite midfield alongside Rodri and Fabian Ruiz. He served as the creative fulcrum of the team, finishing the match with team highs in chances created (five), crosses (11) and corners (eight). None of that production led to a goal though, as Spain's attack with consistently frustrated by Cape Verde's low block. While Pedri was undoubtedly impressive, he will need to do even more to get Spain's attack humming. As one of the favorites and a possession-happy team, this will not be the last team Spain faces that will sit back and absorb the pressure. Pedri will need to be at his best to beat that block with his elite passing ability.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

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Lamine Yamal Says It's 'Still Too Soon' For Him To Start For Spain At The World Cup

Barcelona issued new Julian Alvarez transfer warning as Atletico Madrid president refuses to budge on €500m price tag

Bernardo Silva completes free transfer to Real Madrid as Man City icon links up with Jose Mourinho

Goal-scoring midfielder Weir joins OL Lyonnes from Real Madrid