Raphinha injury update: How long Barcelona star will be out after hamstring setback confirmed

Bad news for Raphinha. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed in a statement that medical tests have revealed a muscle injury in the hamstring of his right leg in Thursday’s friendly defeat to France. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has also released the player from Brazil’s upcoming match against Croatia on Tuesday. Barça later revealed the winger would be sidelined for an “estimated” five weeks, which will see him miss the LaLiga game at home to Atlético Madrid and crucial Champions League quarterfinal ties against the same opponent.

Barcelona concern over Raphinha

At the club, the news has been received with caution, but also with significant concern. Raphinha is expected to undergo additional tests upon his arrival in Barcelona to confirm the full diagnosis.

In any case, early signs are not encouraging. The issue involves the biceps femoris in his right leg, the same muscle he injured earlier this season, which kept him sidelined for two months and included two setbacks during recovery.

Raphinha injured with Atlético and Champions League looming

Given that history, talk of a quick or miraculous recovery had always appeared unrealistic. Barcelona’s latest update means he is expected to miss the LaLiga matchup against Atlético Madrid on April 4, and also both legs of the Champions League quarterfinal tie against the same opponent on April 8 and 14.

If the five-week estimated proves correct, the Brazilian won’t return until the start of May. That would also see him miss the first leg of a potential Champions League semifinal.

It’s a tough break for Raphinha, who had just started to rediscover his best form. Most notably, the 29-year-old starred in Barça’s 7-2 second-leg win over Newcastle United in the Champions League last 16 on March 18. In a game that saw the Blaugrana seal an 8-3 aggregate triumph, the former Leeds United forward scored twice and played a decisive role in four more goals.

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