Raphinha is not playing for Barcelona against RCD Espanyol in LaLiga Matchday 31, according to the latest injury update, due to a right hamstring injury suffered during an international friendly with Brazil in late March.
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.
Raphinha and Roony Bardghji during a LaLiga EA Sports match in 2026 (Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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.
