Raphinha's hot start interrupted by thigh injury; set to miss two Barcelona matches
October 10, 2026 10:40
Barcelona forward Raphinha, 29, has been one of Europe's most in-form attackers with 14 goals and three assists this season as Barcelona have recorded eight successive wins — but he withdrew from Brazil duty with a right thigh injury and looks set to miss the club's next two fixtures.
The injury occurred after he was substituted at half-time in Brazil's match against Australia. Brazil coach Flick said: "It's not a serious injury, but we have to be careful because he had three injuries last year, and we have to take care of him." Flick added: "It's the national team and everyone wants to play for their national team. That's Raphinha's mentality. Always give 100%." He also questioned the schedule, saying: "We must reflect on whether it was necessary for him to play in Australia, travelling so many thousands of kilometres."
KEY CONTEXT
Raphinha has mainly operated as a false nine this season rather than on the wing and is club captain. Barcelona sit top of La Liga, five points clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, with Real Madrid a point further back in fourth. They began their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord and have scored 36 goals while conceding eight in all competitions so far.
Last season Raphinha made 33 appearances and finished with 21 goals in all competitions but suffered recurring fitness problems and a hamstring injury that limited him; he missed the Champions League quarter-final defeat by Atletico Madrid but scored twice in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Barcelona face Getafe on Saturday and then travel to Galatasaray in Europe; Raphinha is expected to miss both matches. Gabriel Jesus is likely to cover his absence, and Flick also has options such as Anthony Gordon, Dani Olmo and Karim Adeyemi who could play as a false nine.