At a Glance
- Raphinha returned to Barcelona on Monday.
- He started his recovery from a thigh injury in Brazil and is expected to be out for five weeks in total.
- Barca won’t be able to call on one of their star players for the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
The “FIFA Virus” has struck FC Barcelona hard once again, this time affecting one of the key pillars of Hansi Flick’s project.
On Monday, however, Raphinha landed in Barcelona after some days off granted by Flick following confirmation of his injury with the Brazilian national team.
The winger returned to top form before the international break, but now faces a crucial recovery process as the team fights for the biggest titles.
Raphinha’s return: Injury and special leave
After suffering a hamstring tear in his right leg during the international break, the Brazilian arrivedat El Prat Airport on Monday afternoon.
He player returns in a shaken emotional state, while aware that he’ll miss key fixtures. These include both legs of a Champions League quarterfinal showdown with Atletico Madrid, plus the derby with Espanyol.
In a typical demonstration of his elite man-management skills, Flick allowed Rapha to start recovery in his homeland.
This allows the player to mentally recover from the setback, and ensures his return to Barcelona in the best possible condition to begin intensive physiotherapy.
Raphinha is expected to be out for around five weeks, and could return for the La Liga Clásico against Real Madrid on May 10.
Flick’s Barcelona tactics board: How to replace the “untouchable”?
Raphinha’s absence isn’t just a technical loss. It means losing his pressing after possession loss, and his vocal leadership on the pitch.
However, Flick has already begun testing alternatives to maintain the team’s competitive level:
- Ferran Torres’ moment
“The Shark” is the natural replacement on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder drifting wide. His defensive work rate is the closest to what Raphinha provides, helping preserve the team’s tactical balance. - A chance for Marcus Rashford
Flick could give an opportunity to the English winger, who has played a very secondary role throughout the season. After his strong performance at the Metropolitano and the goal that equalised, he could now earn more minutes. - System change
Flick may opt to reinforce the midfield with a fourth player. In this role, Fermín or Dani Olmo could operate as false wingers, compensating for the lack of pure dribbling that the Brazilian offers.
The impact on Barcelona’s schedule
Raphinha’s return to training (even if individually at first) marks the start of a frantic countdown. These are the key matches where Barça will need to perform without their number 11:
- Champions League quarter-finals: A two-legged tie against Atlético de Madrid.
- LaLiga: Crucial matches against Espanyol, Getafe, Osasuna and Celta Vigo, to maintain the lead heading into the final stretch.
The medical staff’s priority is not to rush his recovery. Previous relapse issues in 2025 have led the club to adopt a “zero-risk” approach.
