Raphinha is not playing for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid in LaLiga Matchday 30 on Saturday, April 4, as he is sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered while on international duty with Brazil.
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.
Raphinha of Barcelona at UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match (Source: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
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However, after feeling discomfort during the match in Boston, he was withdrawn as a precaution, with tests immediately revealing a more serious hamstring issue than initially expected.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.
