Raphinha will lead Brazil's attack in the next FIFA date

Raphinha left a clear message on his social networks after the call-up of Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil was announced for the matches against Chile and Bolivia for the last double date of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

“Sempre uma Honra (it's always an honor)", the Brazilian winger posted next to a photo of him wearing the 'canarinha' shirt. The FC Barcelona '11' is satisfied after his call-up despite the fact that the 'seleçao' is already directly qualified for the World Cup and that his Real Madrid compatriots Rodrygo, Vinicius and Éder Militao were not called up.

This is because Brazil is already mathematically in the next World Cup and the duels against Chile (at home on September 4) and Bolivia (away on September 9) have nothing more than honor at stake for the 'verdeamarela'.

Raphinha's call-up and wear and tear: the impact for Barça

In that sense, the trip to South America is always a complex challenge for Barça's internationals, along with the training sessions and matches in which the winger will surely see action as a starter.

Without a doubt, this call-up will be suffered by Barça, since Raphinha is an undisputed starter in Hansi Flick's scheme, with wear and tear and possible injuries being a major risk factor at the start of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti's official call-up was surprising due to the absence of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Militao. Understanding that 'Vini' could not play against Chile due to suspension, his absence is the only justified one. Rodrygo, on the other hand, was not called up for the double day in June either, while Militao has only recently recovered from his physical problems.

Raphinha: scorer and captain of Brazil in the World Cup qualifier

In the qualifiers, the five-time world champion is in third place and Raphinha is its top scorer with 5 goals in 16 matches. In addition, the culé winger has been captain in several matches.

Now, the technical staff led by Hansi Flick can only hope that Ancelotti has adequate management of the attacker's minutes to avoid compromising his physical condition in inconsequential matches. Especially the one in Bolivia, which will be played at the El Alto stadium at 4,150 meters above sea level.

In April, Barça already had problems due to Rafa's trip with Brazil. Although he did not suffer any injury, the '11' presented a notable drop in performance after the 'scratch' defeat against Argentina (4-1). The winger took a few weeks to recover his best version for the final stretch of 24/25, with quite discreet matches in the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semi-finals.

Similarly, the question remains open as to whether Ancelotti is doing Real Madrid a favor by 'forgetting' about Rodrygo and Militao or whether it was really a technical decision based on the current situation of each one. The striker started on Sunday in the 'merengues' visit to Oviedo (0-3). The center-back was a substitute after making his debut in the starting XI against Osasuna (1-0).