Raphinha faces an extended spell on the sidelines after Barcelona confirmed the winger’s full injury recovery timeline.
With crucial fixtures piling up in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, Hansi Flick must once again navigate an important game without one of his most influential attacking outlets, forcing adjustments on the right wing.
The focus now is on managing risk rather than rushing a comeback as the season enters a decisive stretch.
The Brazilian winger has been ruled out of the upcoming La Liga clash against Mallorca, as the club opts to protect him from aggravating a muscle overload issue.
Despite having rejoined group training in recent days, Raphinha has been working partially on the sidelines, with the technical staff agreeing that he is not yet at 100% to face competitive action this weekend.
The current plan is clear: he is expected to return for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final next week, a fixture Barcelona considers too important to risk losing him for, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Raphinha had already missed the recent Copa del Rey tie against Albacete due to the same discomfort, and the medical team is determined not to repeat past mistakes after a season marked by physical setbacks for the forward.
His absence is significant, given how central he has become to Flick’s attacking structure, providing width, 1v1 threat, and end product in the final third.
Even so, the staff believe that a short spell of managed rest now could secure his availability for the business end of the campaign.
In the meantime, Barcelona will need others to step up against Mallorca, with alternative options on the wing expected to cover his role and maintain balance in attack.
With Pedri, Christensen, and Gavi also dealing with their own fitness issues, squad depth will be tested once again.
All eyes now turn to the Copa del Rey semi-final, where Raphinha’s anticipated return is being treated as a key boost for Barça’s push for silverware this season.
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