Barcelona Targets Raphinha Return for PSG Champions League Match

Barcelona is targeting October 20 for Raphinha's potential return against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, with the Brazilian winger recovering from discomfort in his right hamstring. According to OneFootball, citing Superdeporte, the club is monitoring his progress after he missed matches against Getafe and Galatasaray, while coach Hansi Flick remains cautious about accelerating his comeback.

Medical examinations identified a small muscular edema but did not indicate a serious injury, according to Vavel's October 13 report. Barcelona has prioritized recovery over an immediate return, particularly because Raphinha previously sustained an injury in the same area during international duty.

The winger experienced discomfort during Brazil's friendly against Australia on September 29. He scored from the penalty spot before leaving at halftime, prompting the Brazilian Football Confederation to release him from the squad so he could continue treatment in Barcelona.

Vavel reported that Raphinha had suffered a hamstring injury during a friendly against France in March 2026, requiring approximately five weeks of recovery. Although the latest episode did not produce the same diagnosis, the recurrence of symptoms has encouraged Barcelona to take additional precautions.

Flick's approach reflects Raphinha's importance to Barcelona's attacking structure. The Brazilian missed the Getafe and Galatasaray fixtures, leaving the coaching staff to find alternatives capable of maintaining the team's pressing intensity and attacking width.

Before Barcelona's visit to Galatasaray, Flick emphasized the work ethic he expects from his players and the need to sustain their effort throughout the season.

"We are hungry. But the road is long. We have to work," said Hansi Flick, Barcelona's head coach.

According to El País, Flick views Anthony Gordon as a particularly suitable alternative because the English forward combines aggressive pressing with an understanding of tactical responsibilities. Barcelona signed Gordon after Flick identified him as a player who could help preserve the team's defensive intensity when Raphinha was unavailable.

Gordon described the qualities he believes allow him to fit into Barcelona's system, highlighting the importance of making sound decisions under pressure.

"People focus a lot on how I press. And perhaps my technique surprises them when they see me up close. The same thing happened at Newcastle: Eddie Howe signed me from Everton to run and press, and when I arrived, it was like, 'Oh, well, you're actually a good player.'

If I'm honest, my intelligence as a footballer is my most underrated attribute. And that's why I can play in this team, because here, if you're not intelligent, you're lost. You have to make good decisions all the time, or you get exposed," said Anthony Gordon, Barcelona's English forward, in an interview with El País.

Gordon also explained that Flick personally encouraged his move to Barcelona, believing his playing style matched the coach's requirements.

"When he called me, he told me he wanted me to come, that I fitted his style and what he likes," Gordon said.

El País reported that Gordon had played eight matches for Barcelona, starting six, and recorded five assists and one goal. He also scored three times for England and provided one assist during the most recent international break, including a goal against Spain at Wembley.

Barcelona had also benefited from Raphinha's production earlier in the campaign. According to Claro Sports, the Brazilian recorded 12 goals and three assists in eight appearances across competitions, including a two-goal performance against Feyenoord in the Champions League opener. He completed 30 of 32 passes, a 94% completion rate, and made three recoveries in the opposition half during that match.

Those contributions extend beyond scoring, as Raphinha's movement can create space for Lamine Yamal and support Barcelona's pressing after possession is lost. Without him, Flick must distribute those responsibilities among the available attackers while avoiding unnecessary physical risks.

Barcelona is scheduled to face Real Betis in La Liga before traveling to Paris. OneFootball identified the October 20 Champions League meeting with PSG as the main target for Raphinha's return, although his availability will depend on his recovery over the coming days.

Flick has previously explained his decision to manage Raphinha's workload carefully, particularly after the winger returned from international duty with renewed discomfort.

"He has an exceptional level, but he is one of the best in the world in his position, and he will perform at his level in that position; he will be very important for the squad," said Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí, discussing Frenkie de Jong's role, according to El País.

El País reported that De Jong's place in the starting lineup was uncertain following his return from injury. Barcelona's coaching staff was considering whether he could play alongside Cubarsí in defense, while Rodri's presence alongside Pedri in midfield created further competition for places.