Barcelona winger Raphinha will miss the club’s next two matches, with manager Hansi Flick saying the club must be “careful” with the forward’s fitness.
Raphinha will not be involved against Getafe and is also ruled out of Barcelona’s meeting with Galatasaray after being withdrawn at half-time during Brazil’s 4-2 friendly victory over Australia on 29th September.
The 28-year-old is understood to have muscle swelling, or oedema, in the back of his right thigh. Flick said Barcelona did not believe Raphinha had suffered an injury, but would not take any chances with his recovery.
“Raphinha does not have an injury... but we have to be careful because last year he had three injuries, as we need to take care of him,” Flick said.
“He won’t be available tomorrow or against Galatasaray.”
Raphinha’s absence could give Gabriel Jesus an opportunity to make his first start for Barcelona. The Brazil forward could feature in attack alongside Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon.
Jesus has scored twice in four appearances for the club, despite playing only 41 minutes in total. He could therefore move into the starting XI for Saturday afternoon’s game against Getafe.
Raphinha has been Barcelona’s leading scorer so far this season, with 12 LaLiga goals and 14 goals in eight matches across all competitions. He is five goals clear of Yamal.
Flick is also without Frenkie de Jong, who has a knee problem, Roony Bardghji, who is suffering from a knee injury, and Andreas Christensen, who has a thigh issue.
Barcelona sit at the top of La Liga after making a perfect start to the campaign. They will face a Getafe side that has not beaten them since October 2020.
Despite Raphinha’s absence, Barcelona will be expected to continue that winning run under Flick against Getafe.