Barcelona received troubling news on Friday as Raphinha sustained another hamstring injury while playing for Brazil against France. The 28-year-old is expected to be sidelined for five weeks, depriving the Catalan side of one of their key attacking players during a decisive run of fixtures.
This latest setback continues a frustrating pattern for the winger, who has now injured his right hamstring three times this season. Similar problems had already ruled him out in September and October, making this recurring issue a growing concern for the club.
The timing has only made matters worse, with Barcelona entering a demanding stretch of matches. Losing an important starter at this stage presents a serious challenge for the squad as they look to maintain their performance levels.
Anger inside the club and Flick’s reaction
Reports indicate that Barcelona’s response has been one of frustration and disbelief. There is strong dissatisfaction that such a key player was involved in a friendly match far from home, especially given the risks and the importance of upcoming fixtures.
Head coach Hansi Flick has reacted particularly strongly to the situation. Raphinha plays a crucial role in his tactical setup, valued for both his attacking contribution and pressing ability. When fit, he is among the first names selected, underlining his importance to the team.
Being forced to cope without him for an extended period — and due to circumstances outside the club’s control — has left Flick especially frustrated as he prepares for a challenging schedule.
Limited consolation and new opportunity
Barcelona will receive financial compensation from FIFA, as Raphinha’s absence is expected to last longer than 28 days. Despite this, the payment does little to ease the immediate sporting impact of losing a regular starter.
With Raphinha unavailable, attention now turns to alternative options within the squad. Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, is one player who could benefit from the situation. He previously delivered strong performances during Raphinha’s earlier absence.
Rashford is now expected to take on greater responsibility, starting with the upcoming away fixture against Atletico Madrid, where Barcelona will need attacking solutions to compensate for the loss.