Barcelona’s autumn schedule is beginning to tighten, from the domestic visit of Real Betis to a European night with Paris Saint-Germain and, beyond that, the familiar pull of a Clásico against Real Madrid. In that crowded stretch, Hansi Flick is close to receiving an important attacking option again: Raphinha has returned to full training after a minor problem in the back of his right thigh.
The Brazilian forward was sidelined following the international break, when tests revealed swelling rather than a muscle tear. Barcelona’s medical and fitness staff have worked with him over the past couple of weeks, and his completion of a key training session has cleared the way for him to be considered for the squad once more.
There is still caution around the timing. Raphinha has reacted well to his work on the training ground, but Barcelona do not intend to rush an attacker who has already lost time this season. A place against Real Betis remains possible, although the principal aim is to have him fully ready for Barcelona’s Matchday 3 fixture in the UEFA Champions League league phase against Paris Saint-Germain.
A return planned around Europe and the Clásico
Flick could also have Frenkie de Jong available for the PSG meeting. The Dutch midfielder’s recovery has progressed well and he is expected to be ready to return, giving Barcelona the prospect of restoring two significant figures as the calendar turns more demanding.
For Raphinha, the longer view reaches to the meeting with Real Madrid. Barcelona want him to regain match sharpness through the coming fixtures rather than force his return, with the intention of having him at full fitness for one of the season’s defining occasions.
His absence has been felt because he has remained among the leading figures in Barcelona’s forward line, alongside Lamine Yamal, as he was during the 2025-26 campaign. Raphinha is attempting to retain his scoring crown and has reached 12 goals despite the injury interruptions that have limited his involvement across the opening eight league rounds.
The scorer Barcelona have missed
That total leaves the Brazilian at the head of the scoring chart. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé is his nearest challenger on seven goals, a number also held by Lamine Yamal, Sergio Camello and Yassir Zabiri.
Barcelona’s priority is therefore not merely to put Raphinha back on the pitch, but to bring him back without inviting another setback. If the next days continue as planned, the winger can return gradually in Spain before taking his place in the club’s continental campaign and arriving at the Clásico with his rhythm restored.
