Raphinha Injury Update: Latest Details, Recovery Timeline and Impact on Team

Despite FC Barcelona's win over Real Oviedo, tensions have risen for German gaffer Hansi Flick as he is set to miss winger Raphinha for at least three weeks. After Fermin Lopez was ruled out due to injury concerns in the last game, Raphinha has also been sidelined. To make things even worse, Barca already has a list of active injured players, including the likes of Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Joan Garcia, Ter Stegen, and Alejandro Balde. After an impressive performance against Real Oviedo, where Raphinha took 3 shots, he was forcefully subbed off due to medical reasons. He felt a slight discomfort in his right hamstring, and the medical team determined no risk and subbed him off immediately at the hour mark. Barca won the game 3-1, but were very worried about the fitness of their star winger.

Raphinha Injury Details

The official statement from FC Barcelona read, “Raphinha has suffered a hamstring injury, especially to the middle third of the biceps femoris in his right thigh. He is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks.” Such injuries can impair acceleration, top speed, the ability to hold sprints, and confidence in using that leg under full load. Given that Barca officially expects at least 3 weeks, that suggests they consider this a mid-level strain.

How Does Raphinha's Injury Affect Barcelona?

Barcelona have some important games lined up ahead of them. They will next face Real Sociedad, who are going through a difficult phase. His absence will be felt against PSG in the UCL Clash on October 1st. PSG are in sublime form, and the reigning European champions will look to exploit the wings and grab all three points. The same week, Barca will face Sevilla in the La Liga. After a two-week break, they will be back home against Girona before their next UCL encounter against Olympiacos and the El Clásico against Real Madrid.

It will be interesting to see who will step up to fill Raphinha's void. The good news is Lamine Yamal is almost back, and Marcus Rashford is in brilliant form. Depending upon the formation, Flick might also prefer Dani Olmo over Ferran Torres for the game against PSG.

When Will Raphinha Return?

As the timeline suggests, Raphinha could be back on the pitch by mid-October. He might need some more time to become fully match fit. He could be on the bench against Girona and might be back in the starting 11 against the most anticipated clash against Real Madrid in El Clásico in the last week of October.