Following an injury sustained during the clash between Brasil and France, the medical verdict is clear: Raphinha is set for an estimated five weeks on the sidelines. The hamstring injury represents a significant setback for the Catalan giants at a defining juncture of the season.
The timing is particularly damaging for FC Barcelona. Manager Hansi Flick must now navigate a series of high-stakes fixtures without one of his most influential attacking threats. The Brazilian is expected to miss the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico de Madrid, a crucial LaLiga clash against the same opponent, and the derby against Espanyol. With both European glory and the LaLiga title race hanging in the balance, Raphinha's absence will be felt acutely.
This injury is a major blow for FC Barcelona. The club loses a key creative asset at a time when the smallest margins often decide the outcome of a season.