Raphinha's brilliant Barcelona start interrupted by injury concerns

What the report says

Raphinha’s strong start to the season for Barcelona has been checked by an injury concern after he returned from the international break with a right thigh problem. BBC Sport Football reports that the Brazil forward is expected to miss Barcelona’s next two matches, starting with the La Liga game against Getafe and then the Champions League trip to Galatasaray.

The 29-year-old has been one of Barcelona’s standout performers, with 14 goals and three assists as the club has won eight straight matches in all competitions. His form has helped Barcelona move top of La Liga and make a strong start in Europe, while also prompting discussion over his omission from the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said tests had shown an issue, though he indicated it was not regarded as serious and suggested the club must be cautious because Raphinha had several injuries last year.

According to BBC Sport Football, the setback came after Raphinha was substituted at half-time in Brazil’s match against Australia. Flick also questioned whether it was necessary for him to travel and play such a long-distance friendly, though he stressed that players naturally want to represent their national teams. Barcelona are facing a busy run of fixtures, including key matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid this month, so the timing matters even if the absence is brief.

More broadly, Raphinha has been operating in a central attacking role this season rather than only on the wing, and his goals have been a major reason for Barcelona’s strong early form.