Barcelona's German coach Hansi Flick confirmed on Friday that Catalan club captain Raphinha, who injured his right thigh while on duty with the Brazil national team, will miss the team's next two matches at least.
Flick said in a press conference: "Raphinha? Tests showed he does not have a serious injury, but we must be careful with him because he suffered three injuries last season. We have to take care of him, so he will not be available tomorrow (against Getafe), nor against Galatasaray (on Tuesday)."
When asked about the absence of the Brazilian forward, who was forced off injured during a friendly match in Australia, the German coach criticized the schedule imposed on his players.
He added: "The national team is the national team, and defending their country is often the main goal for all players, and this is Raphinha's mentality and attitude. He always gives 100 percent. But I think we have to ask: Was it really necessary for him to go play a friendly match in Australia and travel thousands of kilometers? This is unbelievable."
Raphinha, who has been repositioned as a central forward at Barcelona since the start of the season, tops the European scoring charts with 14 goals in eight matches across all competitions.
The former Rennes player has suffered from recurring muscle injuries since the beginning of his career, and had returned injured from the March 2026 international break during which he faced the French national team in a friendly match in Boston.
Barcelona missed him dearly in the crucial final stage of the season, especially in the Champions League (exiting in the quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid).
The Brazilian forward also suffered a hamstring injury during the 2026 World Cup with the "Selecao".
League leaders with 21 points, the Spanish champions of the last two seasons who remain undefeated, will be deprived of their captain as they resume their league campaign on Saturday against Getafe.
