Raphinha pulled out of international duty because of a right thigh problem after being replaced at half-time during Brazil’s game against Australia.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick told reporters that medical examinations had detected an issue.
He explained that the injury was not considered severe, but the club needed to proceed cautiously because the player suffered three injuries last season.
Flick also supported Raphinha’s desire to represent Brazil.
He said players naturally want to appear for their countries, adding that Raphinha’s approach is to give his maximum effort every time.
While the problem is not believed to be significant, it has occurred at an inconvenient moment.
Flick questioned whether Raphinha really needed to travel thousands of kilometres to play in Australia. He added that arranging friendlies elsewhere is difficult because European teams are occupied by the Nations League.
With several demanding fixtures approaching, Flick will be eager to have his key forwards available and will hope that even a brief absence does not affect Raphinha’s momentum.
The development has also left Flick facing a familiar selection issue. Barcelona began the campaign amid doubts over the lack of a recognised number nine following the departure of experienced Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.
Instead of operating in his customary wide position, Raphinha has mostly featured as a false nine this season, and the team have produced formidable performances.
Barcelona lead La Liga by five points over Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, while Real Madrid are another point behind in fourth. They also opened their Champions League campaign with a convincing 5-1 victory over Feyenoord. Having scored 36 times and conceded only eight goals, they have controlled matches in both attack and defence.
Gabriel Jesus, the Brazilian forward who joined from Arsenal on deadline day in September, is currently expected to replace Raphinha for Saturday’s meeting with Getafe and the subsequent European visit to Galatasaray.
Flick can nevertheless rely on a deep Barcelona squad, with Anthony Gordon, Dani Olmo and Karim Adeyemi all capable of filling the false-nine role if required.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
