Barcelona Drops Bombshell on Raphinha's Injury Status and Return Date
Barcelona's winger Raphinha has been found to have an adductor muscle strain in his right leg, as announced by the club on Monday.
Concerns arose at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero when Raphinha was substituted at halftime during Barcelona's 3–1 victory against Elche over the weekend. The injury cast a shadow over the triumph and caused Hansi Flick to worry about the Brazilian's condition.
Following additional medical examinations, the club determined that Raphinha's adductor problem stems from muscle overload rather than a serious injury. The current Spanish title holders announced that the attacker will need just one week to fully recover.
Flick will feel relieved by this diagnosis considering Raphinha's previous fitness struggles earlier in the campaign. The 29-year-old was sidelined for almost two months with a hamstring problem, and another extended absence could have created significant issues for Barcelona.
How Many Games Will Raphinha Miss With an Adductor Strain?
How Many Games Will Raphinha Miss With an Adductor Strain?
Raphinha is anticipated to be absent for only two matches for Barcelona. The Brazilian will miss the Catalans' Copa del Rey quarterfinal encounter against Albacete, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3. In theory, Flick's squad shouldn't require their star winger to overcome a Segunda División team, though their opponents knocked out Real Madrid in the previous round.
The current Spanish champions will then return to face Mallorca at home in La Liga on Saturday, Feb. 7. The visiting team should present minimal challenge to Barcelona; they're currently positioned 15th in the standings and have secured only one victory in their past six outings.
Barring any complications, Raphinha should return in time for the match against Girona on Monday, Feb. 16.
Barcelona's Upcoming Fixtures
Barcelona's Upcoming Fixtures
Opponent | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|
Albacete (A) | Copa del Rey | Feb. 3 |
Mallorca (H) | La Liga | Feb. 7 |
Girona (A) | La Liga | Feb. 16 |
Raphinha's Injury Paves the Way for Marcus Rashford
Raphinha's Injury Paves the Way for Marcus Rashford
Although Raphinha's injury isn't as severe as Barcelona initially worried, the team must still manage without him on the left flank. The positive aspect is that Marcus Rashford serves as an ideal substitute for the Brazilian international, having performed exceptionally since joining the Catalan club.
The Manchester United loan player has already featured in 32 matches for Barcelona this season, contributing 10 goals and nine assists. Even when his playing time decreased following Raphinha's recovery from his hamstring issue, Rashford continued to deliver when given opportunities; he has registered four goal contributions in his last four substitute appearances.
The 28-year-old is now positioned to return to Flick's starting lineup for the duration of Raphinha's absence. If Rashford receives the starting role against Albacete on Tuesday, it will mark only his third start since the beginning of 2026.
The England forward would be delighted to score in his third straight match to further demonstrate to his doubters and England manager Thomas Tuchel that he has regained his scoring touch. Despite recent speculation suggesting Man Utd interim manager Michael Carrick would prefer Rashford to return to Old Trafford after his loan period ends, the player has expressed his desire to stay in Spain.