Barcelona returned from the international pause with a measure of relief in the city. Raphinha’s discomfort, which interrupted his Brazil duty in midweek, has been assessed as a minor issue rather than a serious injury, preserving the prospect of his return when LaLiga resumes.
Examinations at the club’s training complex on Friday confirmed swelling in the back of the Brazilian’s right thigh. It matches the initial finding made by Brazil’s medical staff and revealed no more significant muscular damage. The winger will be monitored by Hansi Flick’s staff from next week.
The concern had risen on Wednesday, when Raphinha was withdrawn at half-time during Brazil’s match against Australia after feeling pain in an area that has caused him difficulties on earlier international trips. Brazil subsequently released him from the squad, allowing him to travel back to Barcelona without taking further risks.
A careful route towards Getafe
The diagnosis leaves Raphinha in contention for Barcelona’s next league fixture, at home to Getafe on Saturday, 10 October. There will be no rush, however. Flick and the club will only use the forward if he has fully recovered; otherwise, his return will be delayed to avoid a recurrence.
That restraint reflects his importance in Barcelona’s season so far. Raphinha has become the leading attacking figure in Flick’s side, with 14 goals already to his name, and the club’s preference is to protect a player whose influence has travelled well beyond the Catalan capital.
