“We’re together, Rapha… we are going to win this!” a tearful Neymar told Raphinha shortly after the roster dropped. The raw emotion has injected a massive wave of optimism across Brazil, especially since the veteran forward was widely considered a long shot to make the final cut for the upcoming tournament.

Neymar also implored fans to mark his words, expressing unwavering confidence that the Brazilian squad can hoist the trophy if they remain united. “We will give it all. We need to bring it back to Brazil,” Neymar remarked during the call.

As the Canarinha faithful celebrated the news, Ancelotti addressed the media to explain his decision to include Neymar in the final 26-man roster. Expectations are sky-high, as Brazil clearly did not hesitate to bring every ounce of elite, game-changing talent available to North America.

Neymar’s form forced Ancelotti’s hand

While Neymar’s inclusion in the final 26-man World Cup roster drew some debate regarding his current match fitness, his sheer talent remains undeniable. He has proven to be an absolute lifeline for Santos, carrying the club despite its highly turbulent domestic campaign so far.

While other notable stars like Joao Pedro were surprisingly snubbed from the final squad—leaving them with nothing but a consolation message from Ancelotti—Neymar spent the year proving he is built for the big stage. Here is a look at his production with Santos this season:

• Appearances: 15 (8 Brasileirão, 3 Copa Sudamericana, 2 Copa do Brasil, 2 Campeonato Paulista)
• Goals: 6
• Assists: 4
• Yellow Cards: 7
• Minutes Played: 1,265

Projected starting XI for Brazil at the World Cup

With Neymar pulling the strings in midfield, anticipation is building over what Brazil can accomplish in this North American-hosted tournament. The Verdeamarela are desperate to replicate their iconic 1994 run, the last time the World Cup was held in the United States, which culminated in a thrilling penalty-shootout victory over Italy.

Here is how Brazil are projected to line up:

Alisson Becker; Wesley Franca, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Alex Sandro; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Endrick.

Lamine Yamal will miss the game due to a left hamstring injury. Yamal is undergoing a conservative treatment to make his return for the 2026 FIFA World Cup plausible. Hence, Barcelona are being careful.

Yamal suffered this injury against Celta Vigo on April 22. While his World Cup appearance shouldn’t be in question, his appearance in what remains of LaLiga is in fact cloudy.

Raphinha is also in question

While Raphinha did make the trip with the team, he won’t be starting, as he is just recovering from a right hamstring injury. He suffered a setback earlier in his recovery, and just returned to training as of late April.

Raphinha suffered his injury while playing with Brazil. While he is on the squad, it’s likely that he won’t play at all, because his aim is to be back for El Clasico against Real Madrid next week.

What do Barcelona need to win LaLiga title?

Barcelona need just five more points from the remaining 15 on the line to secure the LaLiga title. They have an 11-point lead over Real Madrid. However, if they win vs. Osasuna, and Madrid fail to win against Espanyol, they could actually secure their title in El Clasico.

Yamal is sidelined with a significant hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season, while Raphinha continues to recover from a separate muscle issue and has yet to return to full team training.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed ahead of the game that neither player would be available, with both still progressing through recovery and not ready for competitive action.

How and when did Lamine Yamal get injured?

Lamine Yamal suffered a left hamstring injury during Barcelona’s LaLiga match against Celta Vigo in April 2026, forcing him off immediately after scoring a penalty. The forward grabbed the back of his leg right after converting from the spot and was substituted moments later.

Medical tests confirmed the injury as a hamstring issue in his left leg, with the club opting for a conservative recovery plan. Further reports revealed it as a significant muscle injury (biceps femoris), explaining why Barcelona ruled him out for the remainder of the domestic season.

How and when did Raphinha get injured?

Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during the March international break in a match involving Brazil, which has sidelined him for several weeks. The issue was confirmed shortly after the game and initially projected to keep him out for around five weeks.

Since then, the Brazilian winger has been working through rehabilitation, missing key matches for Barcelona during a crucial stretch of the season. Although his recovery has progressed, he has not yet been fully reintegrated into matchday action, which explains his absence for this fixture.

When will Lamine Yamal return to play?

Lamine Yamal is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025–26 LaLiga season, with a potential return targeted for the upcoming international competitions, including the World Cup.

The club has confirmed that he will follow a conservative treatment plan, prioritizing long-term fitness over a rushed comeback. Recovery timelines suggest an absence of approximately five to six weeks, effectively ruling him out of Barcelona’s remaining league fixtures.

When will Raphinha return to play?

Raphinha could return in early May 2026, with projections pointing to a comeback around Barcelona’s match against Osasuna. Reports indicate that his recovery timeline from the hamstring injury was set at around five weeks, and he has been targeting key late-season fixtures for his return.

How have they performed this season?

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal has been Barcelona’s most productive and influential attacker during the 2025–26 season, leading the team in both goals and assists in LaLiga. The young winger has recorded around 15 league goals and 9+ assists.

He has also delivered in Europe, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists in the UEFA Champions League. His overall influence goes far beyond numbers, as he leads the club in expected assists and chance creation.

His importance is further reflected in his presence: he has featured in the vast majority of league matches this season, and despite Barcelona managing results without him, his absence due to injury represents a major tactical loss in the title race.

Raphinha

Raphinha has delivered a strong but more complementary season, contributing consistent scoring and experience despite missing time through injury. He has registered 11 LaLiga goals and multiple assists in limited appearances, maintaining solid efficiency when available.

His role has been less about leading the attack and more about providing balance—offering width, pressing intensity and vertical runs that stretch defenses and open space for teammates like Yamal. Even with fewer minutes, he remains one of the team’s most reliable attacking options when fit.

His influence also extends beyond raw stats. In high-intensity matches, his pressing and work rate have been key to Barcelona’s system, often setting the tone for the team’s defensive and offensive transitions.

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.

“It was a robbery; the officiating was very poor. The decisions they made were unbelievable. Atletico committed I don’t know how many fouls and didn’t receive a single yellow card,” Raphinha told reporters after the match. “What I really want to understand is the referees’ standards toward Barcelona. I really want to understand this fear among referees of Barcelona reaching the win”.

Barcelona suffered a red card in both legs of the tie. The first was Pau Cubarsi at the Spotify Camp Nou while the match was still scoreless. The second came at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where Eric Garcia received a straight red with the score at 2-1 in Barcelona’s favor, making a comeback nearly impossible with only 10 men.

Raphinha vs Atletico supporters

Raphinha was one of the biggest absences for Hansi Flick’s side, as he continues to recover from an injury sustained while playing for Brazil during the March international break. However, the Brazilian traveled with the squad to Madrid and had a heated exchange with some Atletico Madrid supporters.

After the match ended, the Brazilian was on the pitch with his teammates and took the opportunity to send a message to the opposing fans. Through gestures, Raphinha signaled that Atletico Madrid would be eliminated in the next round, whether they face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon.

Barcelona had filed a complaint with UEFA regarding the refereeing

Raphinha isn’t the only one within the club pointing to controversial officiating. In fact, Barcelona filed an official complaint to UEFA following the first-leg defeat, stating “that the refereeing did not adhere to the current law, directly influencing how the game progressed and the result“.

The club’s frustration centered on a specific play where goalkeeper Juan Musso took a goal kick with his feet to Marc Pubill, who then stopped the ball with his hand to restart the play himself.

Barcelona maintain that Pubill’s handling of the ball should have resulted in a penalty for the home side and a second yellow card for the defender. Despite the formal protest, UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee declared the complaint inadmissible.

His absence is not a tactical decision but a physical setback, after the Brazilian picked up a right hamstring injury while playing for Brazil, an issue that has kept him out during a crucial stretch of the campaign.

Like it happened in the first leg against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona must adapt in attack. With a two-goal deficit to overturn and no margin for error, the absence of a player like him adds another layer of difficulty to an already tense European night. Besides, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford aren’t starting against Atletico today.

How long is Raphinha’s recovery time?

Raphinha’s recovery time is approximately five weeks after suffering a right hamstring injury. The injury occurred during an international friendly between Brazil and France, where the winger was forced off at halftime due to discomfort.

His recovery period means he is expected to miss a significant stretch of crucial fixtures, including both legs of the Champions League quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid and several LaLiga matches.

There is cautious optimism inside the club that he could return in May, potentially in time for a key domestic clash against Real Madrid. However, hamstring injuries are notoriously delicate, so the medical staff will avoid rushing him back.

How has Raphinha been performing this season?

Raphinha has been one of Barcelona’s most productive players this season, emerging as a key attacking leader with goals, assists and standout performances in big games. His absence might be a relief for Diego Simeone, since Jan Oblak isn’t starting against Barcelona today.

Before his injury, he had already recorded 19 goals in all competitions, making him one of the team’s top scorers in the 2025–26 campaign. His output places him among the most decisive attacking players in the squad under Hansi Flick.

He delivered a hat-trick against Sevilla in LaLiga and followed it up with a dominant Champions League display against Newcastle, where he scored two goals and added two assists, earning a perfect rating and Man of the Match honors.

He has also stepped up in major competitions. He was instrumental in Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer and delivering decisive performances, including goals against Real Madrid in the final.

He was forced off after feeling discomfort in his right thigh. Subsequent medical tests confirmed a hamstring muscle injury, with FC Barcelona later announcing a recovery timeline of approximately five weeks.

As a result, he has missed multiple matches across competitions, including Champions League knockout games and domestic league fixtures, with the Espanyol clash also falling within that recovery window.

How and when did Raphinha get injured?

Raphinha suffered a right hamstring injury on March 26, during an international friendly between Brazil and France, forcing him to leave the match at halftime. The Brazilian Football Federation confirmed a biceps femoris (hamstring) injury, which has been a recurring issue for him this season.

Barcelona confirmed the diagnosis shortly after, announcing that the winger would return to Spain to begin treatment. The injury came at a critical point in the season, ruling him out of key fixtures, including Champions League knockout matches and important LaLiga games.

Notably, this is not an isolated setback. He has dealt with multiple muscle injuries throughout the 2025–26 campaign, making this latest issue part of a broader pattern of physical struggles during a congested schedule.

When could Raphinha return to play?

Raphinha is expected to return in early May 2026, with an estimated recovery timeline of around five weeks from the date of injury. Barcelona’s official medical update set his recovery period at approximately five weeks, which places his potential return around May 3.

Internally, the club is targeting key late-season fixtures for his comeback, including decisive LaLiga matches and potentially a return for a high-profile clash against Real Madrid. However, the medical staff is taking a cautious approach, especially given his history of muscle setbacks this season.

During his absence, Barcelona have had to rotate their attacking options and adjust tactically, highlighting how important he has become to the team’s structure and intensity in the final third.

Raphinha’s performance for Barcelona this season

Raphinha has been one of Barcelona’s most productive players this season, recording 19 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions. Before his injury, the Brazilian winger was enjoying one of the best campaigns of his career.

He delivered standout performances in the Champions League, including a two-goal display against Newcastle in the Round of 16, and consistently contributed in LaLiga with goals and assists in key moments.

Beyond raw numbers, he has been crucial tactically:

• High pressing intensity in the final third
• Ability to stretch defenses from the wing
• Consistent chance creation and direct attacking play

Barça’s results also reflect his importance. Reports indicate the team wins a significantly higher percentage of matches when he is on the field compared to when he is absent. His performances have made him a key attacking leader.

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.