Barcelona Rests Raphinha for Two Matches After Thigh Issue

FC Barcelona will rest forward Raphinha for its next two matches after he experienced discomfort in his right thigh during Brazil's recent international fixtures against Australia. Coach Hansi Flick announced the decision on Friday, October 9, 2026, confirming that the Brazilian will miss Saturday's La Liga match against Getafe and Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Galatasaray as the club takes precautions over his fitness.

Flick said medical examinations had ruled out a serious injury, but Barcelona intends to manage the forward's workload because he suffered three injuries last season. The decision comes as Raphinha leads Europe's scoring charts with 14 goals in eight appearances across all competitions, according to the source report.

Raphinha started both of Brazil's friendly matches against Australia on September 25 and 29 but did not feature against India. The international forward has earned 43 caps for Brazil and scored 12 goals for the national team.

Flick explained that the medical results were reassuring but emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary risks given Raphinha's injury history.

"He is not injured, but we have to take care of him because he had three injuries last season. He will play neither tomorrow (Saturday, against Getafe in La Liga) nor against Galatasaray" said Hansi Flick, Barcelona's head coach.

The German coach also questioned the demands placed on players by the international calendar, particularly the long-distance travel required for friendly matches. Raphinha had experienced discomfort in his right thigh against Australia, prompting examinations that found no serious injury, according to Flick.

Flick acknowledged the importance of representing one's country while expressing concern about the physical demands of the trip to Australia.

"The national team is the national team, and for all players, defending their country is often the main objective. That is Raphinha's mentality and attitude. He always gives 100 percent.

But I think we need to ask ourselves whether it was really necessary for him to play a friendly in Australia, traveling thousands and thousands of miles. It is incredible." said Hansi Flick, Barcelona's head coach.

Raphinha has been playing as a center forward for Barcelona since the beginning of the season. His absence leaves the club without one of its most productive attacking players for two upcoming fixtures, although the medical examinations did not identify a serious injury.

According to the report, Raphinha could return for Barcelona's La Liga match against Real Betis on October 17, provided his recovery and workload management allow him to resume competition.