Barcelona are entering the most demanding stretch of their season, with every fixture now carrying major weight in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Hansi Flick has been forced to carefully manage his squad amid a growing list of fitness concerns, knowing that even small setbacks can have a huge impact at this stage.
The physical toll is one thing, but the mental strain of a long season is also starting to show, especially for players who have struggled to find consistency due to injuries.
That reality has now pushed the club into making a decision that goes beyond tactics and fitness alone.
Raphinha has been given time away from Barcelona following his latest injury, with the club taking a more personal and supportive approach to his recovery, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
The Brazilian picked up the setback while on international duty, a moment that has disrupted both his momentum and Barcelona’s plans during a crucial phase of the campaign.
Instead of rushing him straight into rehabilitation, the club have allowed him to step away temporarily to spend time with his family.
The decision reflects an understanding within the club that this has been a difficult season for the winger, with repeated injury interruptions affecting his rhythm and form.
His latest issue is expected to keep him out for around five weeks, ruling him out of several key fixtures.
Among the matches he is set to miss is a decisive run against Atletico Madrid, with clashes in both La Liga and the Champions League looming large for Barcelona’s ambitions.
These fixtures could define their season, making his absence even more significant as Flick looks to navigate a challenging schedule without one of his key attackers.
Despite the setback, the club are taking a measured approach, prioritising long-term recovery over any short-term risk.
Barcelona’s medical team have already outlined a detailed rehabilitation plan that will begin once he returns to Spain.
