Raphinha Injury: Progress, Potential Return Date for Barcelona Star
Alarm bells blared throughout Catalonia when Raphinha got injured while away with Brazil.
The 29-year-old, who played 90 minutes against Australia on Friday, was once again sent out to lead Carlo Ancelotti’s line against the Socceroos just four days later. Raphinha continued his blistering form, converting a penalty on the brink of halftime.
But the forward was pulled at halftime of the Seleção’s 4–2 win. Fans instantly feared the worst considering Raphinha previously picked up significant injuries during his last two spells with Brazil.
A statement from the Brazilian soccer federation (CBF) has confirmed his discharge from this camp. He will not go with the rest of the squad to India for a historic first-ever match there.
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What Injury Does Raphinha Have?
Brazil confirmed Raphinha suffered from discomfort in his right thigh against Australia and was therefore replaced at halftime by Ancelotti. The Italian boss did not immediately comment on his superstar’s condition, but further tests have now taken place.
On Wednesday, he underwent an imaging scan which revealed a “small muscle edema in the posterior region of his right thigh,” which means a swelling of his hamstring caused by the buildup of fluid. It can be caused by a variety of things, such as pregnancy or being overweight—obviously neither of which are the case here, but also by injuries like sprains or strains.
The edema should heal by itself with limited intervention, but it suggests a potential underlying issue that is more concerning when considering the player’s recent problems with hamstring injuries.
When Will Raphinha Return for Barcelona?
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That this has happened now and not after the India match at least offers a little more recovery time before club soccer is back. The 29-year-old take the rest of the international break to rest so he can be ready in time for Barcelona’s first match back against Getafe on Oct. 10.
A longer layoff could potentially keep Raphinha out of action for several massive fixtures coming in October. Barcelona have clashes with Galatasaray, Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid on the horizon before the end of the month.
For reference, when Raphinha suffered a minor hamstring injury this summer at the 2026 World Cup, he only missed about two weeks of action. Before that, it was a month on the sidelines with a hamstring problem at the end of the 2025–26 season. Not to mention he was stuck in the infirmary for nearly two months at the start of that campaign with the same issue.
Barcelona’s Options to Replace Raphinha
Should Raphinha miss an extended period, Barcelona will find themselves in a precarious position. The defending Spanish champions were already thin at the position following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Raphinha made the transition from winger to striker to fill the hole in Hansi Flick’s attack and so far has 14 goals to his name. His dominance up top is much of the reason why Barcelona have yet to drop a single point this season.
Without him available, Flick will have to get creative. New signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi both have experience playing as strikers even though they are better out wide. Dani Olmo could also play as a false nine, as can Lamine Yamal.
There’s also Gabriel Jesus to consider. The former Arsenal man is the most obvious solution, considering he is the only natural, senior center forward at Flick’s disposal. But the 29-year-old has yet to start a game this season; in fact, he hasn’t played more than 10 minutes in three of his four appearances in a Blaugrana shirt.
Throwing Jesus into the XI feels unlikely given the tough competition coming for Barcelona, but Flick is never one to shy away from an unconventional solution.
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