Raphinha has made a phenomenal start to the season for Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists as the Spanish champions have racked up eight successive wins in all competitions. His form has been so impressive that his omission from the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist prompted debate, with some arguing it warranted greater recognition among the game’s elite.
That momentum has now been interrupted. The 29-year-old withdrew from international duty with a right thigh injury after being substituted at half-time in Brazil’s match against Australia, and he is set to miss Barcelona’s next two fixtures.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said the problem does not appear serious but that caution is required. “The tests show something,” he told the media. “It’s not a serious injury, but we have to be careful because he had three injuries last year, and we have to take care of him.”
Flick also defended Raphinha’s wish to represent his country. “It’s the national team and everyone wants to play for their national team,” he said. “That’s Raphinha’s mentality. Always give 100%.” He nevertheless questioned the scheduling around the match. “We must reflect on whether it was necessary for him to play in Australia, travelling so many thousands of kilometres,” Flick added. “It’s incredible. They have to choose friendly matches and in Europe it is not possible because of the Nations League.”
The timing is awkward, with a demanding run of fixtures ahead that includes meetings with Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid this month in the Champions League and La Liga. Keeping the Brazilian fit could prove just as important as making the most of his goalscoring form.
The setback has also presented Flick with a familiar dilemma. At the start of the season there were concerns that Barcelona had no established number nine after veteran Poland striker Robert Lewandowski left the club. Raphinha has mainly been playing as a false nine this season rather than his usual role on the wing, and the team have looked unstoppable, sitting top of La Liga five points clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, with Real Madrid a point further back in fourth place. They thrashed Feyenoord 5-1 in their Champions League opener and have scored 36 goals while conceding eight.
For now, fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus – a deadline-day arrival from Arsenal in September – is likely to cover Raphinha’s absence for the next two matches against Getafe on Saturday and then the European trip to Galatasaray. Flick has considerable depth to call on, with Anthony Gordon, Dani Olmo and Karim Adeyemi all capable of playing as a false nine if required.
Raphinha’s numbers tell an impressive story, but his contribution extends beyond the statistics. He is the team captain and has become a central figure in Barcelona’s aggressive, high-intensity approach, combining direct attacking play with relentless pressing and a willingness to work for the team. Rather than relying on creating chances for others, he has developed into a consistent source of goals himself, and he has been a key factor in why Flick’s side have looked so threatening in the final third. A win against Getafe would give Barcelona an eighth straight league victory and let them equal the 2013-14 record for the best start to a La Liga season.
Raphinha will also be determined to avoid a repeat of last season, which showed how quickly fitness problems can complicate the club’s plans. He was restricted to 33 appearances, with recurring fitness issues and a hamstring injury contributing to his absences. He played seven times in the Champions League but was missing as his side went out in the quarter-finals with defeat by Atletico Madrid. His tally of 21 goals helped deliver the league title, and he scored twice in a standout performance in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid. Given his importance, the temptation for Flick to rush him back will be understandable, and Barcelona will hope this is a brief interruption rather than the beginning of another frustrating injury cycle.