Barcelona captain Raphinha will miss this Saturday’s fixture against Real Betis and next Tuesday’s clash against Galatasaray due to a right hamstring muscle edema, head coach Hansi Flick announced.
Flick Outlines Caution Over Raphinha’s Muscle Edema
Speaking to reporters, Hansi Flick addressed the forward’s physical status following his early return from international duty with Brazil. “The images do not show a significant injury,” Flick stated, explaining that the decision to bench the captain serves as a purely precautionary measure given the player’s recent medical history. The club unofficially confirmed this information while playing down the setback.
Last season, Raphinha missed 20 matches after suffering three separate muscle injuries. The coaching staff hopes to limit his absence strictly to these upcoming two fixtures. “We will take care of him,” Flick added, confirming that the forward returned from international duty with an edema in the posterior part of his right thigh. While acknowledging that playing with your country is one of a footballer’s main achievements,
the manager found it questionable that Brazil should play two friendlies in Australia and one in India.
Tactical Shifts and Gabriel Jesus Set for First Start
With Raphinha sidelined, Gabriel Jesus is slated to feature in the starting lineup as the central striker for the first time since joining the club.
Flick opted against resting young winger Lamine Yamal to compensate for Raphinha’s absence. “He doesn’t need to rest. He is a 19-year-old player, like Cubarsí, and they recover quickly,” Flick said, drawing a distinction with older internationals like 30-year-old Rodrigo. Demonstrating his close interest in the Spanish national team, Flick has watched its matches, even attending the game against England at Wembley from the stands. Following a disagreement the previous year with Luis de la Fuente, Flick now understands that the national team coach manages his pupils’ playing time well, adding that he enjoys watching what he considers the best national team in the world.
In midfield and defensive cover, Andreas Christensen and Frenkie de Jong remain unavailable for the upcoming fixture. However, De Jong is expected to enter the squad list for the Betis match to compete for a midfield spot. Flick noted that he views De Jong as an emergency option to play at center-back if necessary, rather than Marc Bernal, whom he has tested only occasionally in training sessions.
Worth a look
