According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona has acknowledged a serious injury setback that will impact preparations for the Spanish Super Cup finale and potentially the Champions League as well.
The Catalans booked their spot in the Riyadh decider against arch-rivals Real Madrid on Sunday by overcoming last-four foes Osasuna 2-0 at the KSU Stadium. Amidst a dull first half, Raphinha was one of the few bright spots, however, he was forced to withdraw due to an injury before the half ended.
About the Brazilian, Barca issued a statement early on Friday afternoon in Spain.
“Tests conducted today demonstrated that Raphinha is injured in his left hamstring. He is out and his recuperation will decide his availability,” it stated.
As customary, the Blaugrana has not provided an estimated time of Raphinha’s possible return. However, Mundo Deportivo reports that a month-long absence is anticipated for the $64.6 million (€59 million) acquisition from Leeds United in 2022.
Raphinha will therefore be unable to attend not only Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final, but also Real Betis, Villarreal, Osasuna, Alaves, Granada, and Celta Vigo’s Copa del Rey last 16 match against Unionistas on Thursday.
Additionally, he may not be available to play in Barca’s away match against Serie A rivals Napoli on February 21 in Italy as part of the Champions League last 16 round. Without Raphinha, head coach Xavi Hernandez must now decide how to go. The manager has made references to going back to the four-man midfield formation that featured players like the injured Gavi and Pedri filling in as a false left winger.
But if he sticks with the conventional 4-3-3, Vitor Roque, a recent addition, is another contender even though he is typically seen on the other side or as a striker. Ferran Torres and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal will compete for the open right-wing position.
Concurrently, it seems like Xavi wishes to avoid overburdening Lamine or pushing his development too quickly with playing time, which has been managed cautiously so far in 2023 and 2024.
