Raphinha injury fears ease as Barcelona await crucial tests before demanding run

Barcelona have been reassured that Raphinha’s muscle problem sustained while playing for Brazil against Australia is not serious, with the forward now returning to Catalonia and hoping to recover in time for a demanding week of fixtures.

Raphinha, Barcelona’s captain, asked to be substituted during the friendly after feeling discomfort. He immediately informed the club that there was no reason for alarm and that the decision had been taken as a precaution. He was nevertheless due to undergo detailed medical examinations to confirm the extent of the problem.

The news has eased concerns at Barcelona, who have experienced similar situations during previous international breaks involving their Brazilian players. The club is particularly wary of the demanding journey to the other side of the world, which covers more than 40,000 kilometres, as well as the pressure created by a congested schedule.

Brazil are playing two matches against Australia and two against India during the current international period. After learning of Raphinha’s injury, Barcelona’s management and head coach Hansi Flick quickly requested that he return to the club, allowing him to be monitored by the team’s medical staff rather than remain with the national squad.

Tests to determine availability

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Raphinha’s journey back will take almost a full day. As a result, it will not be possible for him to complete his medical examinations in Catalonia on Wednesday.

There is not considered to be any major concern within the club at this stage. The initial assessment is that the injury is not serious and, provided the tests do not reveal any unexpected complications, Raphinha should be available for Barcelona’s La Liga match against Getafe.

However, Barcelona intend to adopt a cautious approach. Sport reports that the club’s guiding principle will be “no need to rush”, particularly with a demanding sequence of matches ahead.

The fixture list includes a difficult trip to face Galatasaray, followed by a highly anticipated Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain. The biggest fixture of the run will then follow, with Barcelona facing Real Madrid in El Clasico.

Under the plan agreed for his recovery, Raphinha will have a complete day off on Thursday after arriving back in Catalonia. He will undergo the decisive medical checks at the Joan Gamper training complex on Friday before beginning a gradual return to full team training.

The club’s immediate priority is to establish that the problem has not worsened during the long journey and that Raphinha can safely resume preparations. His availability for Getafe will depend on the examination results and his response as he returns to group work.