Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reportedly launched a vicious attack on FIFA’s international schedule after star winger Raphinha was sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
The Brazilian forward suffered injury in a friendly match against France, depriving the Catalan powerhouses of one of their most important players for a crucial stretch of games.
The club president has not held back in his criticism of the international calendar after Raphinha returned from duty in Brazil with a serious injury.
Laporta Blows Hot
In an interview with Mon Esport as quoted by Goal, the president of Barcelona expressed how disappointed the club is with FIFA’s handling of the world football schedule.
“Raphinha’s injury is a shame. We must ask FIFA to draw up an international calendar that takes into account the competitions in which the major clubs are involved,” Laporta stated.
“It’s a friendly match, and one of our best players suffers an injury. Of course it’s annoying. You can’t blame the players, they are professionals and they give their all for their country.
“The problem is the crowded schedule, in the time of the season where we are playing for everything. It’s infuriating!”
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The club’s medical staff has stated that the projected recovery period is five weeks, which makes the timing of the injury a nightmare for manager Hansi Flick.
Due to this prognosis, the former Leeds United player will be unable to play in both legs of the pivotal Champions League quarterfinal match against Atletico Madrid, as well as a number of important La Liga games.
With 19 goals and eight assists in 31 games this season, Raphinha has been in the best form of his life.
Laporta feels that improved player protection could have prevented the Blaugrana from losing such a valuable outlet at a time when they are fighting to maintain their lead at the top of the league and advance in Europe.
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