Raphinha suffered a muscle injury during a friendly match against France, which took place in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The injury occurred late in the first half, prompting the Brazilian forward to be withdrawn from the game.
Following the match, the Brazilian Football Federation confirmed that Raphinha would miss Brazil’s upcoming game against Croatia. Barcelona has also announced that he will be sidelined for approximately five weeks due to a right hamstring injury.
Medical tests conducted by the Brazilian Football Federation confirmed the nature of Raphinha’s injury, specifically indicating that it is located in the back of his right thigh. He is set to return to Barcelona to begin his rehabilitation.
During this recovery period, Raphinha could miss up to seven or eight matches for Barcelona, which includes critical fixtures in the Champions League. His absence may significantly impact the team’s performance, particularly in their upcoming quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid.
This season, Raphinha has been a key player for Barcelona, scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists in 31 appearances. His contributions have been vital to the team’s success thus far.
Raphinha had previously dealt with a hamstring issue that kept him out of action between September and November of last year. His current injury raises concerns about his fitness and the potential for recurring issues.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti remarked on Raphinha’s performance prior to the injury, stating, “Raphinha played very well, then he had a problem at the end of the first half and we had to change him, he was a little bit bothered by the muscle.” This highlights the sudden nature of the injury and its impact on the match.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact severity of Raphinha’s injury, but the situation has prompted reactions from both the Brazilian Football Federation and Barcelona, emphasizing the need for careful management of his recovery.