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Raphinha is set to return to the field after spending more than a month injured, but the Brazilian has cautioned Barcelona supporters not to expect him to match the performances of fellow winger Lamine Yamal.
Yamal will not feature for Barcelona again this season due to a hamstring injury. Raphinha, who is also recovering from a hamstring problem, is the primary candidate to cover Yamal's position on the right wing for the remainder of the season.
The Brazilian regularly played as a right winger during his time at Leeds United and has filled that role for the national team as well. However, at Barcelona, he has almost always operated on the left with Yamal taking the right. Ahead of his comeback, Raphinha gave an honest assessment of his ability to step into Yamal's shoes.
"I'm comfortable playing on the right," Raphinha told Movistar Plus. "But obviously if I play on the right wing, don't expect anything special, because I'm not Lamine [Yamal]. Lamine is a star and the things he does ... it's his."
Raphinha is anticipated to make his comeback in El Clásico against Real Madrid, a match in which he could clinch his third La Liga title since arriving at Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
Raphinha Wants to Be at Barcelona For 'Many Years'
In a wide-ranging interview, Raphinha discussed how Real Madrid are an opponent he relishes facing, as they are the club he has scored the most goals against throughout his career and also the team he has beaten most frequently.
The Brazilian also addressed his future, a subject that has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. Speculation linking him with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League was quickly dismissed, and Raphinha himself hit back at the "lies" that had been written about him.
The uncertainty surrounding his future has since been put to rest, particularly after the Brazilian revealed his desire to remain in Catalonia for the long term.
"I see myself many years here," Raphinha said. "I have a contract until 2028, and if the club wants to speak with me I'm open."
Raphinha signed a three-year contract extension shortly after completing a standout career season in 2024–25. A year on, the Brazilian has now hinted at his readiness to extend his stay with the Catalans even further.
All indications suggest Raphinha will remain at Barcelona for the foreseeable future, though, as he acknowledged himself, Yamal is the undisputed owner of the right wing in Hansi Flick's setup, and Raphinha will return to his left-wing role when the 2026–27 campaign begins.