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Barcelona have the opportunity to maintain their flawless La Liga record when they host Getafe on Saturday, though they'll be missing their top scorer as they chase yet another victory.
La Blaugrana can make history by defeating their visitors at Camp Nou this weekend. A win would mark only the second time in the club's history that they've claimed the opening eight games of a La Liga season—the first being in 2013–14.
Nevertheless, Raphinha's absence will undoubtedly hurt Barça. The winger was repositioned as a central forward by Hansi Flick at the beginning of this season, and the tactical adjustment has already proven highly effective. He has netted an impressive 14 goals in eight appearances in his new role.
So, what is keeping Barcelona's key Brazilian out of action?
Why Raphinha Isn't Available Against Getafe
Sadly for Barça, Raphinha fell victim to the lengthy three-week international break.
The 29-year-old was included in Brazil's squad for their two friendlies against Australia and their historic first match against India, but he missed the 4–0 win in Greater Kolkata after picking up a thigh injury during the second game against the Socceroos.
Raphinha featured only in the first half of the 4–2 win before being taken off, and he subsequently departed the Brazil camp ahead of schedule to head back to Catalonia for treatment.
There had been optimism that he might feature against Getafe as Barça press on in their early pursuit of another La Liga title, but Flick confirmed the attacker's unavailability at his pre-match press conference.
"The picture [scan] showed something, but it's not a big injury," Flick disclosed on Friday. "He is doing well, has no pain and can do everything.
"He needs a bit more time. It's something we have to take care of because last season he had three injuries there."
When Will Raphinha Return?
Barça will understandably take a careful approach with Raphinha's comeback, and Flick has confirmed he will also miss Tuesday's Champions League away fixture against Galatasaray.
Raphinha netted twice in the club's opening league phase match against Feyenoord, but won't have the chance to add to his European tally until Oct. 20, when Barça travel to face reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile encounter.
While not certain, Raphinha could potentially return a few days before the trip to Paris, when the defending La Liga champions take on Real Betis.
However, given how quickly the PSG match follows and the Clásico against Real Madrid coming immediately after that pivotal Champions League tie, there's a real possibility that Raphinha is also rested during the Seville fixture.