The Brazilian winger picked up the issue while representing Brazil and has been ruled out for several weeks, forcing Hansi Flick‘s team to adjust its attacking setup against Diego Simeone‘s side.

His absence is particularly significant given his production this season, where he has been directly involved in dozens of goals and has been one of the most decisive players in high-stakes fixtures. Besides, a win, tie or loss could have huge implications for Barcelona in this series against Atletico Madrid.

How did Raphinha get injured?

Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Brazil during a friendly against France. He felt discomfort in his right hamstring and was forced to leave the match at halftime, with medical tests later confirming the muscle injury.

The incident took place in a high-intensity international fixture, a scenario that has increasingly raised concerns among clubs due to the physical demands placed on players outside the club calendar.

How long is Raphinha’s recovery timeline?

Raphinha is expected to be out for approximately five weeks due to his hamstring injury. The timeline was confirmed by Barcelona following medical evaluations after the international break.

This recovery period means he will miss a significant portion of April. Reports indicate that the injury sidelines him for key fixtures such as the Champions League quarter-final ties and important domestic games.

When will Raphinha return to play?

Raphinha is targeting a return in early to mid-May, depending on how his recovery progresses. Initial estimates suggest he could be back around five weeks after the injury, potentially in time for late-season matches.

There is optimism inside Barcelona that he could return for crucial fixtures toward the end of the campaign, including high-profile games that may define both their domestic and European ambitions.

How has Raphinha been performing this season?

Raphinha has been one of Barcelona’s most impactful attacking players this season, combining consistent goal production with strong all-around offensive metrics.

He has recorded double-digit goals and multiple assists in La Liga, including around 11 goals and 3 assists in league play alone, while also contributing in the UEFA Champions League with three goals and two assists in seven appearances.

Beyond raw numbers, his influence goes deeper. He averages a high volume of shots and progressive actions, regularly creating chances through dribbling and key passes.

Statistically, he generates nearly 3 key passes per game and maintains a passing accuracy above 80%, placing him among the most productive wide players in Spain this season.

According to club updates, the recovery timeline is around five weeks, which rules him out not only for this match but also for a key stretch of the season that includes multiple high-intensity fixtures in LaLiga and European competition.

The absence is a major blow for Hansi Flick, who has relied heavily on the left winger’s pace and creativity in wide areas throughout the campaign. His output in big Barcelona games has been decisive this season.

How and when did Raphinha get injured?

Raphinha suffered a right hamstring injury during an international friendly between Brazil and France on March 26, forcing him to leave the pitch at halftime. The injury was later confirmed by both the Brazilian Football Federation and Barcelona medical staff after scans showed muscle damage in his right thigh.

The incident occurred during the March international break, a period in which the winger had been called up for Brazil while enjoying one of his most productive stretches of the season.

However, after feeling discomfort during the match in Boston, he was withdrawn as a precaution, with tests immediately revealing a more serious hamstring issue than initially expected.

Medical reports confirmed that the injury required an estimated recovery period of around five weeks, ruling him out of several key domestic and European fixtures, including crucial clashes in both LaLiga and the Champions League.

Which match could Raphinha return for?

Raphinha is expected to return around early May 2026, with Barcelona’s LaLiga match against Osasuna currently seen as the most likely comeback target. Based on the estimated five-week recovery timeline, his return could come just before the decisive final stretch of the season.

If his rehabilitation progresses without setbacks, the Brazilian winger could also be available for one of the most important fixtures of the season: the potential El Clásico against Real Madrid later in May.

Barcelona’s medical staff are treating his case cautiously, focusing on full recovery rather than rushing his return, especially given the congested schedule that awaits in the final weeks of the campaign.

How was Raphinha performing this season?

Raphinha was enjoying one of the best seasons of his career with FC Barcelona, registering 19 goals across all competitions and establishing himself as one of the team’s most decisive attacking players.

He had become a key figure in the attacking system, contributing not only goals but also assists and high-intensity pressing from the right flank. His ability to stretch defenses and deliver in big matches made him one of the standout performers.

His absence is therefore considered a major blow for Barcelona at a crucial point in the season, especially with tight title race margins and high-stakes knockout fixtures still ahead. Without him, the team will need to rely on depth options to maintain attacking balance and creativity in wide areas.

Raphinha continues to recover from a right adductor strain that kept him sidelined during Barcelona’s recent victories over Albacete in the cup and Mallorca in LaLiga. The club expect his recovery to take approximately one week, meaning the Brazilian winger should be available for the upcoming league match against Girona.

“He is a player who always gives everything, always plays with such intensity. When he feels something, we have to take care of him and perhaps take a step back,” Flick said of Raphinha during his pre-match press conference. “That is the situation right now. Of course, I am not happy about it because we need him“.

As for the English forward, Barcelona confirmed that he sustained a knock and will not feature tonight. “First-team player Marcus Rashford has pain in his left knee after taking a blow in the game against Mallorca on Saturday at Spotify Camp Nou. The player will miss Thursday’s Copa del Rey game against Atletico Madrid,” the club stated in an official release.

Finally, midfielder Pedri remains in the rehabilitation phase after suffering a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his right leg during a Champions League encounter against Slavia Praha. The club has indicated he will be out for roughly a month, with a target return date of February 22 against Levante.

Barcelona welcome back a vital cog

It isn’t all bad news for Flick, as the German manager will have Frenkie de Jong at his disposal for this high-pressure semifinal. The Dutch midfielder missed the previous match against Mallorca due to pubalgia discomfort but has since returned to full training. He is expected to start in the heart of the pitch tonight.

While Barcelona boast a deep squad, the absence of three starters forces Flick to shuffle his lineup. Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres are all projected to start as the Catalan giants look to overcome the hostile atmosphere in Madrid.

The club announced through an official medical statement on X that Raphinha is dealing with a right adductor overload and will miss the match as a precaution. Barcelona added that his expected recovery time is approximately one week, meaning the injury is not considered serious.

The team shared the following update on social media: “Raphinha presents an overload in the adductor of his right leg. He will be out as a precaution for the match against Albacete, and his recovery period will be one week.”

Barcelona’s lineup vs Albacete

Coach Hansi Flick has named a strong starting lineup for today’s match, looking to dominate from the opening whistle in this important Copa del Rey game despite the absence of Raphinha.

Starting XI: Joan Garcia; Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski.

However, Raphinha will not feature in Barcelona’s lineup against Real Sociedad on LaLiga Matchday 20 in the 2025-26 season due to a thigh injury. This update comes from Barcelona’s official website. The team aims to prioritize his recovery to ensure his availability for upcoming challenges in January.

Without the Brazilian sensation, much of the offensive responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. Their contributions are crucial for Barcelona to secure a victory and maintain their lead in LaLiga.

While it’s unfortunate for Raphinha to be sidelined, Real Sociedad view his absence as a strategic advantage, given the threat he poses on the field. They hope to capitalize on this during what promises to be an intense matchup.

Raphinha’s replacement

Barcelona welcomes back Frenkie De Jong from his suspension following a red card in the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid. Head coach Hansi Flick has chosen Fermin Lopez to fill in Raphinha’s shoes against Real Sociedad.

More than just securing points, Barcelona aim to build on their current momentum and protect their lead in the LaLiga standings. The team has consistently delivered outstanding performances this season.

Barcelona lineup vs Real Sociedad

Without Raphinha, Fermin Lopez will join Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal in the attacking line. Robert Lewandowski will start on the bench, waiting for an opportunity to play in the second half.

• Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
• Defenders: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde
• Midfielders: Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, Dani Olmo
• Forward: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez

The decision to leave both players out is entirely tactical and was made by head coach Hansi Flick. Raphinha and Lewandowski were starters in the Barcelona Spanish Super Cup victory against Real Madrid and have logged heavy minutes early in 2026, prompting Flick to prioritize injury prevention during a critical stretch of the season.

Both players remain available on the bench, signaling rotation rather than concern as Barcelona manage their squad depth. Another notable absence for Barcelona is Pedri, who, like his teammates, remains on the bench as part of a planned rotation to manage workload and recovery.

Despite those absences, Barcelona are still expected to put together a strong performance, given the depth of their squad and several intriguing changes among key positions. Ferran Torres steps in for Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford replaces Raphinha, and Dani Olmo fills Pedri’s role, while young midfielders Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó are also set to receive minutes.

Barcelona’s confirmed lineup

The starting XI confirmed by head coach Hansi Flick is as follows: Joan García in goal; Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Alejandro Balde across the back line; Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal in midfield; with Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Marcus Rashford supporting Ferran Torres in attack.

The current form of both teams

Racing Santander arrive as leaders of Segunda División with 38 points from 21 matches. Even so, Racing Santander are in the midst of a three-game winless run, with their most recent victory coming in the Copa del Rey, where they eliminated Villarreal 2–1 in the previous round.

Barcelona, meanwhile, enter the match riding high after defeating Real Madrid and lifting the Spanish Super Cup. The Blaugrana are the clear favorites to advance, but they remain on alert, knowing Racing Santander will not back down. With contrasting momentum and plenty of talent on display, the stage is set for a potentially memorable Copa del Rey night.

Barcelona dominated possession early, while Real Madrid looked dangerous on the counter with Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo. Fans at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium witnessed an unforgettable El Clásico.

The second half continued the high intensity, with both sides making key substitutions to influence the game. Vinícius Jr caused problems for the Barcelona defense, while Raphinha and Lewandowski kept testing Courtois. Yellow cards and heated confrontations added drama, but the game remained finely balanced.

In the final minutes, Barcelona held firm despite being reduced to ten men after Frenkie de Jong’s red card. Joan García made crucial saves to deny Real Madrid and preserve the lead. Raphinha completed his double with a late goal, sealing the victory. The Spanish Super Cup trophy goes to Barcelona in a classic encounter remembered for goals, skill, and drama.

This highly anticipated matchup between two of the Champions League‘s premier teams has fans on the edge of their seats, eager to witness a goal-fest at Stamford Bridge. This iconic venue has previously played host to some of the most memorable episodes in the storied rivalry between Barcelona and Chelsea, setting a high bar for tonight’s contest.

With both clubs in differing circumstances since their last encounter, this clash offers more than just a win. The victor stands to gain crucial momentum in the standings, securing a coveted direct spot in the Round of 16, as both teams aim to reclaim their dominance in European football.

As the fixture approaches, both squads will deploy their full arsenal, fully aware that the significance of this game extends beyond mere victory. For them, it’s not only about advancing; it’s also about preserving the honor entrenched in the history of this rivalry.

Raphinha’s performance this season

The Brazilian sensation, Raphinha, has made eight appearances this season, featuring seven times in La Liga and once in the Champions League. Although he could make an appearance today against Chelsea, he has missed several matches this season due to a hamstring injury.

During these eight appearances, Raphinha has netted three goals and provided two assists in the 483 minutes played across both competitions. He has also received two yellow cards.

Now, the Brazilian winger has another chance to make his mark in the Champions League as Barcelona takes on Chelsea. In this critical match, his influence could be pivotal in securing a triumph for the Spanish side over their English opponents.

The Polish striker is available but has been placed on the bench to start the match. Lewandowski is recently recovered from a hamstring tear in his left leg sustained while on international duty with Poland. The striker saw some minutes in the last league match against Elche and is expected to be subbed into the game in the second half to continue building his match fitness.

The Brazilian winger remains out due to injury, having been sidelined for over a month after suffering a biceps femoris injury in his right thigh during a league match against Real Oviedo on September 25th.

Raphinha was originally expected to be out for only three weeks and possibly return for the Real Madrid match, but a recurrence of the injury prolonged his time away from the pitch. The forward is now in the final stages of his recovery and is anticipated to rejoin the full squad in the coming days.

Flick navigating roster injuries

The German coach is contending with a number of serious injuries across his roster this season. Barcelona are currently without several key contributors: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Gavi, and Raphinha. Additionally, Pedri was recently ruled out after suffering a ruptured biceps femoris, which will sideline him for approximately one month.

The positive news for Flick is the return of important players like Lewandowski and Dani Olmo to the bench, both of whom have been out for a long period due to injury.

“We have to play as a team and focus on the game plan. We took a step forward with the win against Elche, and we have got important players like Olmo and Lewandowski back. We have the quality to win against Club Brugge,” Flick said in his pre-match press conference.

Fresh off a commanding 6-1 victory over Olympiacos at home, Barcelona enter this game on a significant morale boost. However, the stakes of facing Real Madrid bring a distinct intensity that eclipses routine seasonal matchups.

Conversely, Real Madrid come into the fray after a narrow yet resolute 1-0 win against Juventus at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite a stern challenge, they emerged victorious, setting the tone for today’s eagerly anticipated El Clasico.

Global fanbases are primed for one of soccer’s most storied rivalries, eagerly awaiting the spectacle that will unfold. With players like Lamine Yamal, representing Los Culers, and Kylian Mbappe set to grace the pitch for Los Blancos, fans worldwide are in for a thrilling Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Why are Lewandowski and Raphinha not playing for Barcelona today?

Both Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha miss today’s match against Real Madrid due to injury setbacks. Lewandowski suffered a demanding injury during the recent World Cup Qualifiers while representing Poland. Meanwhile, Raphinha continues his rehabilitation from an early-season injury sustained with Barcelona.

Confirmed lineup for Barcelona

Barcelona’s squad for El Clasico will be missing not only Lewandowski and Raphinha, but also Andreas Christensen, Joan Garcia, Gavi, and Dani Olmo. On the other hand, Real Madrid will be without injured defenders David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.

Confirmed starting XI for Barcelona:

• Goal keeper: Wojciech Szczesny
• Defenders: Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde
• Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Fermin Lopez
• Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, and Ferran Torres.

With just three points from two games, Barcelona are expected to put on a stellar performance tonight. After their disappointing defeat in the closing moments against PSG, the Spanish side finds itself in need of a victory to maintain pace with the league leaders in the standings.

In the absence of these pivotal figures, Barcelona are set to welcome back Lamine Yamal to Champions League action. Following his strong showing in the 2-1 triumph over Girona last week, Yamal is anticipated to feature prominently against the Greek opposition.

Meanwhile, Olympiacos are poised to stage a major upset in Barcelona. After a draw against Pafos in the initial stage of the Champions League and a loss to Arsenal in their most recent outing, they have an opportunity to rejuvenate their tournament ambitions with a determined performance against Barcelona today.

Why are Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha not playing today?

Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are sidelined for today’s match against Olympiacos due to injuries. Lewandowski sustained his injury during the Polish National Team’s recent fixture against Lithuania, while Raphinha has been grappling with an injury since September.

In the absence of these two players, FC Barcelona have demonstrated resilience in La Liga and the Champions League, performing admirably. Despite being 16th in the Champions League standings, they hold the second place in La Liga, trailing only behind arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Lineup for Barcelona vs Olympiacos

Without Lewandowski, Raphinha, and the recently injured Ferran Torres, Barcelona will depend heavily on Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, and Pedri to spearhead the attack against the Greek contenders today.

Barcelona starting XI: Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde; Marc Casado, Pedri; Fermin Lopez, Dro Fernandez, Lamine Yamal; Marcus Rashford.