Barcelona Hit Hard as Raphinha Faces Long Spell on the Sidelines
Barcelona have suffered a major blow after Raphinha picked up an injury that will sideline him for a significant stretch of the season. The club confirmed the setback following the recent international break, leaving fans and management concerned about the impact on their campaign.
The loss of Raphinha is particularly troubling for Hansi Flick, as the Brazilian winger has been a key figure in Barcelona’s attack. With several crucial matches on the horizon, his absence threatens to derail some of the team’s top ambitions this season.
The injury occurred during Brazil’s friendly against France in Boston. Barcelona have officially diagnosed Raphinha with a right hamstring (biceps femoris) injury, ruling him out for the next few weeks.
According to the club, Raphinha will now begin a structured rehabilitation program. This means he will miss both legs of Barcelona’s upcoming clash with Atletico Madrid on April 8 and April 14, as he faces a five-week recovery period.
“Raphinha has been diagnosed with a right hamstring injury, the club confirmed, following medical tests conducted by the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF). The injury comes after he felt discomfort during Thursday’s Brazil vs France friendly in Boston, the statement added.”
The injury occurred on Thursday during Brazil’s 2-1 friendly defeat to France. Raphinha’s early exit before halftime sparked concern among fans and coaching staff, especially after he had begun the match strongly.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti initially described the substitution as a precaution, but subsequent scans revealed that the problem is more serious than first thought.
Raphinha is expected to be sidelined for around four to five weeks after picking up a muscle injury.
Because of this, he’ll definitely miss the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Atlético Madrid. On top of that, he’s likely to be unavailable for several LaLiga fixtures, including matches against Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, Espanyol, Celta Vigo, and Getafe.
There’s also some doubt over whether he’ll be fit in time for the big El Clásico showdown with Real Madrid on May 4, as his recovery timeline is still uncertain.
Matches Raphinha could miss:
Atlético Madrid (LaLiga)
Atlético Madrid (Champions League)
Espanyol (LaLiga)
Atlético Madrid (Champions League – return leg)
Celta Vigo (LaLiga)
Getafe (LaLiga)
Osasuna (LaLiga)
Potential Champions League semi-finals (both legs)