Barcelona will manage without Raphinha for their next two fixtures, with Hansi Flick confirming that the Brazilian winger will miss the La Liga meeting with Getafe and the Champions League match against Galatasaray.
The absence follows the muscle discomfort that forced Raphinha to leave Brazil’s camp during the international window. Flick stressed that the player has not suffered a serious injury, but Barcelona are unwilling to take a risk with a forward who endured three separate injuries last season.
“Raphinha is not injured, but we have to be careful,” Flick said. “He had three injuries last year and we need to look after him. He will not be available tomorrow or against Galatasaray.”
Careful management before a demanding run
Barcelona return to domestic action seeking to protect their position at the top of La Liga. The Catalan side hold a six-point lead over Real Madrid as the eighth round of the Spanish campaign approaches, but Flick’s decision reflects a wider concern over the workload awaiting his squad in Spain and Europe.
Rather than press Raphinha into an early return, the German coach is preparing changes across his attacking line. The priority is to avoid a recurrence that could rule the Brazilian out for a longer period during a busy stretch of league and continental fixtures.
Barcelona consider attacking alternatives
Lamine Yamal’s form on the right gives Flick one established option in the front three, while the main selection questions concern the centre-forward role and the left side usually occupied by Raphinha.
Barcelona believe they have sufficient depth to cover both his scoring contribution and the physical work he brings to the side. The Getafe match and Galatasaray visit will therefore offer Flick an opportunity to rotate, while Raphinha is monitored before a possible return later in the schedule.
