Raphinha’s latest injury concern has sharpened a familiar Barcelona question for Hansi Flick: how much can the winger be relied upon when pre-season planning begins?
The Brazil forward is dealing with another fitness issue during the World Cup period, with his recent injury record now under renewed scrutiny in a fresh assessment from Barca Blaugranes.
Barcelona already have attacking depth to manage, but Raphinha’s availability remains important because his direct running and pressing give Flick a different profile from the left and right sides of the front line.
Flick needs certainty before Barcelona return
The timing matters. A summer injury does not only affect tournament minutes; it shapes reporting dates, training loads and the early rhythm of tactical work. Flick will want clarity before deciding how aggressively to build around Raphinha in July.
That is why the wider injury pattern is the story. Barcelona can absorb short absences, but repeated interruptions make it harder to plan roles, combinations and transfer priorities with confidence.
Raphinha still has the quality to be a decisive player for Barcelona. The question is whether Flick can count on him as a stable part of the first-choice plan, or whether the club must treat his workload as one of the defining issues of pre-season.
