When Raphinha was noticed lacking from Barcelona’s matchday squad for the blockbuster UEFA Champions League showdown towards Paris Saint-Germain, eyebrows had been raised throughout Europe. In a tie that pits the Spanish champion towards the holder of Europe’s crown, each participant counts. However for Barcelona, one in every of their most dynamic attacking retailers has been dominated out on an evening the place his power and creativity would have been invaluable.
The Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic is about to witness a conflict befitting a closing, with Hansi Flick’s rejuvenated aspect looking for revenge for earlier heartbreaks towards PSG. The Parisian membership, led by former Barca boss Luis Enrique, arrives as treble winners, driving excessive on the arrogance it gained from final season’s closing 5-0 thrashing of Inter.
Barcelona, in the meantime, started its Champions League marketing campaign strongly with a 2-1 victory at Newcastle, due to a brace from Marcus Rashford. The Catalan aspect has momentum in each La Liga and Europe—however one obvious absence might shift the steadiness. With out Raphinha, the Blaugrana’s plans required late reshaping.
Purpose for Raphinha’s absence revealed
The Brazilian winger picked up a hamstring harm throughout final weekend’s 3-1 La Liga win over Actual Oviedo, forcing him off within the 66th minute. Medical checks revealed a pressure to the center third of the biceps femoris in his proper thigh. The membership’s official assertion learn: “Raphinha has suffered a hamstring harm… He’s anticipated to be sidelined for round three weeks.”
This harm couldn’t have come at a worse time. Not solely does it rule him out of the PSG conflict, nevertheless it additionally sidelines him for key home fixtures towards Actual Sociedad and Girona. The expectation is that he might make his return by mid-October, simply in time for decisive encounters on the membership’s calendar.
The way it can have an effect on the sport
Raphinha is just not alone within the remedy room. Barcelona’s harm record has grown alarmingly in current weeks. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia sustained a meniscus tear towards Oviedo and can bear surgical procedure, sidelining him for at the least a month. First-choice keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen continues to be recovering from again issues, whereas midfielders Gavi and Fermin Lopez stay unavailable.
Furthermore, Raphinha’s absence specifically will sting. The Brazilian has turn into an important a part of Flick’s rotation in assault, his tempo and directness stretching defences. With out him, the onus will fall on Rashford, Roony Bardghji, and the returning Lamine Yamal, who has lately shaken off his personal health issues.
