Major blow: this is what Raphinha will miss with FC Barcelona
The Brazilian winger left with physical issues, and it has now been confirmed that the Catalan side’s star will miss several matches.
The news FC Barcelona had to face following the FIFA international break was far from ideal: Raphinha is returning to Spain with a muscle injury that will sideline him for several weeks. The Brazilian winger sustained the injury during the high-profile friendly in Boston, where Brazil fell 1-2 to the French national team.
The issue occurred during Thursday's match when the forward felt a sharp pain in his right leg. During the halftime break, he alerted both manager Carlo Ancelotti and the medical staff, who decided not to risk him for the second half. Tests conducted the following day confirmed the severity of the injury, leading to his immediate release from the national team camp.
Medical Confirmation and Return to Barcelona
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) ratified that the player had left the squad to begin his recovery process under his club's supervision. FC Barcelona also released an official medical statement confirming that the winger has suffered an injury to the biceps femoris of his right leg.
Medical reports estimate a recovery period of approximately five weeks. This timeframe has put Hansi Flick’s coaching staff on high alert, as the season enters its most critical and demanding phase.
A Grueling Calendar Without a Key Starter
Raphinha's absence is a massive blow for Barcelona, especially given the density of decisive matches on the horizon. Most notably, the Brazilian will be unavailable for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal series against Atlético Madrid—a tie that is central to the club’s European ambitions this year.
In addition to the continental competition, he is set to miss several vital La Liga fixtures, including:
- The Catalan derby against RCD Espanyol.
- Tough away trips to face Celta de Vigo.
- The home clash against Getafe CF.
Doubts for the Season Finale
A five-week recovery timeline would see Raphinha return in early May. This generates significant uncertainty regarding his match fitness for a potential Champions League semifinal should Barcelona advance. Even if he meets the recovery goals, he would likely return lacking the competitive rhythm needed for elite-level football.
This isn't the first time muscle issues have hampered the winger’s campaign. In late September, he was sidelined for nearly two months, an absence that significantly impacted the team’s offensive fluidity. With at least six games to miss in this crucial stretch, Barça must now reconfigure their attacking front to maintain their pursuit of silverware on all fronts.
