The injury stems from a muscle issue in his hamstring area, which has required a cautious rehabilitation plan to avoid aggravation or relapse, according to recent squad updates and medical reports around the Spanish club.

This is not a tactical decision, as he had been expected to play a key role in the final stretch of the season once fully fit, but injuries have limited his availability. Hansi Flick’s team is now forced to reshape its attacking system once again.

When did Raphinha get injured?

Raphinha got injured on March 26, during international duty with Brazil against France. Since then, the winger has been undergoing a structured rehabilitation program in Barcelona.

The setback occurred in a friendly match against France, where he was substituted after feeling discomfort in his hamstring. Medical tests later confirmed a muscle tear, with Barcelona officially classifying it as a significant hamstring injury requiring several weeks of recovery.

When will Raphinha be able to play again for Barcelona?

Raphinha is expected to return around early May 2026, with his recovery timeline set at approximately five weeks from the date of the injury. However, the club’s priority remains avoiding any relapse.

Current medical projections suggest a return date close to the final weeks of the 2025-26 LaLiga season, depending on how his rehabilitation progresses. Some reports indicate a possible comeback window around May 3 against Osasuna.

How has Raphinha performed for Barcelona this season?

Raphinha has been one of the most productive attackers in the 2025-26 season, combining goals, assists and decisive performances in both LaLiga and European competitions before his latest hamstring injury.

According to Transfermarkt data, he has been highly efficient in front of goal despite not playing every match. His output in La Liga alone—8 goals and 3 assists in 14 games—highlights his ability to consistently impact matches.

Earlier in the season, he scored a brace in a dominant league win over Valencia and later delivered another standout performance in the Supercopa de España final against Real Madrid, where he scored twice and was named Man of the Match.

He also produced a “perfect 10/10” performance in the Champions League round of 16, contributing two goals and two assists in a 7–2 win over Newcastle United. His overall season has still been defined by elite attacking contribution.

However, Xavi’s team is trying to keep pace in the standings with the arrival of spectacular players like Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo. Furthermore, they want redemption in the biggest tournament in Europe: the Champions League.

This Saturday, Barcelona faced one of their toughest challenges of the year against Celta. They were losing 2-0 with 15 minutes left on the clock before a miracle happened at Montjuic.

Barcelona get record comeback against Celta in La Liga

After Celta took that 2-0 advantage, Barcelona had no answer for Rafa Benitez’s squad. Nevertheless, in a massive display of courage, Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo took over.

In minute 81′, Felix delivered a fantastic assist for Robert Lewandwoski and the striker got the first goal for his team. Four minutes later, it was Cancelo with a sensational pass for the Polish star to tie the game.

Then, in minute 89′, Gavi left Celta’s defense in awe with an exquiste assist for Joao Cancelo. It was 3-2 for Barcelona with three goals scored in a span of only seven minutes.

It was a comeback for the ages and for the record books. Barcelona had never won a match in which they were trailing by 2 goals at the 80th minute in the entire history of La Liga.

Thanks to this result, Barcelona are provisionally on first place in the standings. Real Madrid could recover that spot on Sunday with a win against Atletico Madrid in the famous derbi.