Barcelona will be without Raphinha for their next two matches after Hansi Flick confirmed that the Brazilian winger will miss Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Getafe and Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Galatasaray. Although medical tests have not indicated a serious injury, Flick is determined to protect the forward from further physical setbacks after he suffered three injuries last season. The decision leaves Barcelona without one of their most influential attackers as a demanding run of fixtures approaches.
Hansi Flick has confirmed that Raphinha will not feature when Barcelona return to action against Getafe before travelling to Istanbul to face Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The Brazilian raised concerns during international duty after experiencing discomfort and leaving Brazil’s camp. Subsequent examinations prompted Barcelona to take a cautious approach to his recovery.
Flick explained that the tests had detected something, but he stopped short of describing the situation as an injury.
“The tests show something, it's not an injury, but we have to be careful because he had three injuries last year, and we have to take care of him,” the Barcelona manager said.
He then confirmed that Raphinha would be unavailable for both upcoming fixtures.
The decision means Barcelona will prioritise the forward’s longer-term fitness rather than risk bringing him back before the club is satisfied that he is ready.
Raphinha’s injury history is central to Flick’s decision.
The Barcelona manager does not want the latest physical concern to develop into a more serious problem, particularly with several important matches approaching.
Although the medical assessment has not identified a major injury, that does not automatically mean the winger is ready to compete.
Barcelona must consider his recovery, recent workload and ability to withstand the demands of another competitive match.
Flick has also highlighted the challenges created by international football, particularly the extensive travel involved in Brazil’s recent fixtures in Australia.
The manager acknowledged that representing a national team is an important achievement for any player, but questioned whether the demanding travel schedule was necessary.
For Barcelona, the immediate priority is to ensure that Raphinha can return without suffering another setback.
Raphinha’s absence presents Flick with an immediate selection challenge.
Barcelona first face Getafe in La Liga before turning their attention to their Champions League trip to Galatasaray.
The Brazilian’s work rate, creativity and ability to influence attacking transitions make him an important part of Flick’s system. His absence therefore requires the manager to adjust his attacking options.
However, Flick has indicated that he is satisfied with what he has seen from the players available in training, particularly their intensity and pressing.
That confidence will be important as Barcelona attempt to maintain their standards without one of their leading attackers.
The Getafe match will provide the first test of how effectively the team can adapt, before the added demands of a European away fixture.
One player who could benefit from Raphinha’s absence is Gabriel Jesus.
Flick spoke positively about the forward’s recent improvement, saying he had adapted well and trained effectively.
The Barcelona manager also indicated that he was considering starting Jesus against Getafe.
His ability to operate in attacking areas could provide Barcelona with a different option while Raphinha recovers.
Flick will still need to decide how best to balance his forward line, but Jesus has given the manager reasons to consider him for a more prominent role.
The coming matches could therefore offer an opportunity for another attacker to demonstrate his value to the team.
The decision to rest Raphinha comes before a demanding stretch of fixtures.
Barcelona are preparing for their league meeting with Getafe and their Champions League trip to Galatasaray, with further major tests against Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid approaching.
That schedule helps explain why Flick is unwilling to take unnecessary risks.
Bringing Raphinha back too early could create a bigger problem later in the campaign. Giving him time to recover now may help Barcelona have him available for the matches that follow.
There is, however, no confirmed return date in the latest update. His availability will depend on his progress and the club’s assessment of his condition.
Raphinha’s absence is a setback for Barcelona, but Flick’s message is not one of major alarm.
The manager has made clear that the club wants to look after the winger rather than rush him back simply because he is not dealing with a confirmed serious injury.
For supporters, the key question is how quickly Raphinha can return to full fitness and whether Barcelona can navigate the next two fixtures successfully without him.
For now, the Brazilian will miss Getafe and Galatasaray. Barcelona’s priority is to make sure this precautionary absence does not become a longer-term problem.
