Raphinha out five weeks
Raphinha has been ruled out for five weeks with a hamstring injury — a significant blow for Barcelona at a crucial stage of the season (barcablaugranes.com). Club president Joan Laporta publicly called on FIFA to review international match scheduling after the injury, arguing heavy fixture periods risk top players (101greatgoals.com). Teammates described the setback as a “bucket of cold water” for the dressing room, underlining the morale hit (x.com).
Raphinha was withdrawn at half‑time of Brazil’s 2–1 friendly with France at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on March 26, 2026, after reporting discomfort in his right thigh. (espn.com) Medical tests carried out by the Brazilian federation diagnosed a right‑hamstring problem and Barcelona confirmed he returned to the club to begin treatment. (barcablaugranes.com) That timing means he will miss Barcelona’s Champions League quarter‑final tie with Atlético Madrid, with the first leg at Spotify Camp Nou on April 8 and the return at the Metropolitano on April 14. (espn.com) Domestic fixtures inside the projected recovery window include LaLiga games against Osasuna, Atlético Madrid (league meeting), Espanyol, Celta Vigo and Getafe, according to match lists published after the injury. (beinsports.com) This season Raphinha has contributed 19 goals and eight assists in 31 appearances, and the club notes this is a recurrence of right‑hamstring issues that previously forced absences of 13 matches between September and November and a further three games in January–February. (espn.com) Managerial options to replace him on the left include season‑long loanee Marcus Rashford — officially signed from Manchester United — while Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, João Cancelo and Roony Bardghji have all been used in wide roles this term. (fcbarcelona.com) (espn.com) Barcelona’s medical timetable and reporting from outlets place his likely comeback in early May, with club sources indicating he is not expected to be available before then. (sportingnews.com)
