Raphinha injury latest: Barcelona forward avoids serious thigh problem

Barcelona forward Raphinha has avoided a serious injury after further medical examinations confirmed he has oedema in the back of his right thigh.

The 29-year-old returned early from Brazil duty after being substituted at half-time in Wednesday’s match against Australia. He had complained of muscle discomfort, prompting concerns that he may have suffered another significant problem in the same area.

Those fears were heightened by Raphinha’s previous fitness issues while away with Brazil. However, the country’s medical staff confirmed the presence of oedema and decided he should return to Barcelona rather than risk aggravating the injury.

Raphinha travelled back to Spain on Thursday after the long journey from Australia. He visited Barcelona’s training ground on Friday morning for additional tests, spending just over an hour at the club’s Ciudad Deportiva.

The examinations provided further reassurance to Barcelona, who had been waiting for a clearer assessment of the problem. Raphinha has been one of their most important attacking players during an impressive start to the season and has scored 14 goals.

He has not been ruled out of Barcelona’s match against Getafe on October 10. Despite that possibility, manager Hansi Flick is not expected to take any unnecessary chances with the Brazil international.

Barcelona will only consider selecting Raphinha if he is judged to be fully fit. The club and Flick’s medical team are keen to prevent him from returning too soon, particularly with a demanding schedule ahead and the risk that a premature comeback could result in a more serious setback.

Raphinha’s return to Barcelona was arranged after Brazil’s medical staff assessed the thigh problem following his withdrawal against Australia. The decision was taken as a precaution because of the player’s history of difficulties in that area, rather than because the initial diagnosis indicated a major injury.

The latest findings mean Barcelona can approach the situation with greater optimism, although Raphinha’s availability for the meeting with Getafe will depend on his recovery and fitness in the days before the game.