Barça's Laporta rages at FIFA over Raphinha injury

Barcelonapresident Joan Laporta raged at FIFA for failing to keep the game's biggest clubs in mind afterRaphinhawas ruled out for five weeks during the international break.

Raphinha, 29, injured his right hamstring duringBrazil's 2-1 friendly loss toFrancein Massachusetts last week.

He will miss the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal withAtlético Madrid, a potential semifinal against eitherArsenalor Sporting Clube and a string of LaLiga games as Barça compete withReal Madridfor the title.

"It's infuriating that one of your best players gets injured in a friendly between France and Brazil," Laportatold Món Esport.

"You can't leave the responsibility of playing or not with the player, because they're professionals who give everything for their country, but FIFA have to come up with a calendar that has the biggest club competitions in mind.

"We're playing for our lives at this point of the season. It's shocking, but it's an age-old discussion now."

It is the third time this season Raphinha, who could return for the league Clásico against Madrid on May 10, has injured the same hamstring.

He missed 13 games for club and country between September and November and another three in February.

His absence could provide a chance forMarcus Rashfordto stake his case for a permanent move to Barça.

TheEnglandinternational's longest spells in the side this season have come when Raphinha has been sidelined.

He is the most likely option to take the Brazilian's place in the team when Barça travel to Atlético in La Liga this weekend, althoughFermín López,Dani Olmo,Ferran TorresandJoão Cancelocould also play there.

Rashford has scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 39 appearances for Barça this season, with the club having until June 15 to make a decision on whether toactivate the €30 million clauseto make the loan permanent this summer.

Elsewhere,Jules KoundéandAlejandro Baldeare both back in training, providing Barça some relief in defence, whileFrenkie de Jongis also not too far away from a comeback.

That leaveAndreas Christensen, along with Raphinha, as the only long-term absentee as Hansi Flick's side prepare for the final stretch of the campaign.