Barcelona suffer Raphinha injury blow as Hansi Flick rules forward out of next two games

Barcelona suffer Raphinha injury blow as Hansi Flick rules forward out of next two games Barcelona will be without Raphinha for their next two matches after head coach Hansi Flick confirmed that the Brazilian forward needs time to recover from a thigh injury. The 29-year-old will miss Saturday’s La Liga encounter with Getafe and Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Galatasaray, although Flick insists the problem is not serious. Raphinha sustained the injury while representing Brazil against Australia on September 29 and was substituted at half-time during the 4-2 victory. He subsequently withdrew from the national team’s training camp, missing their 4-0 win over India. The Brazilian Football Confederation revealed that medical examinations had detected minor swelling in the muscle tissue at the back of his right thigh. Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Flick confirmed that Barcelona would take a cautious approach given the forward’s previous muscular problems. “The picture showed something, but it’s not a big injury,” the German coach explained. Flick also highlighted Raphinha’s injury history, noting that he had experienced three problems in the same area last season. The latest setback represents another frustrating interruption for the former Leeds United winger, who has encountered fitness difficulties during three consecutive international breaks. He previously missed six matches in April after suffering a hamstring injury on Brazil duty in March and experienced further problems during the summer World Cup. Nevertheless, Barcelona will be encouraged by Flick’s assessment that the latest issue does not require an extended recovery period. Raphinha has been instrumental in the club’s outstanding start to the campaign, registering 14 goals and three assists in just eight appearances. His remarkable form includes consecutive La Liga hat-tricks against Racing Santander and Sevilla. Flick has primarily deployed the Brazilian as a central striker this season, making his absence particularly significant for Barcelona’s attacking plans. However, the setback could provide Gabriel Jesus with an opportunity to establish himself following his summer arrival from Arsenal. Flick confirmed that the Brazilian striker is expected to make his first start against Getafe after impressing during recent training sessions. The Barcelona coach also provided an encouraging update on Frenkie de Jong, who could return against Real Betis on October 17. De Jong is reportedly pain-free but requires additional preparation before resuming competitive action. Barcelona currently lead La Liga by five points after winning their opening seven matches. With the first Clasico against Real Madrid scheduled for October 25, Flick will hope Raphinha’s recovery progresses smoothly and avoids another prolonged absence.