Raphinha nears Barcelona return for Real Betis trip after thigh injury

Raphinha is in line to return to Barcelona’s travelling squad for Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis after partially rejoining first-team training, closing in on a comeback from the thigh injury he sustained with Brazil on September 29.

Key takeaways

• Raphinha missed matches against Getafe and Galatasaray after picking up a thigh problem while on international duty in Australia.
• The Brazilian has scored 14 goals in eight appearances in all competitions this season.
• His early-season scoring record has matched a Barcelona benchmark previously reached only by Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.
• Raphinha credits Hansi Flick with convincing him to stay at Barcelona when he had expected to leave in 2024.
• He produced 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 games during Barcelona’s 2024-25 title-winning season.

Flick conversation changed Raphinha’s Barcelona future

Raphinha’s position at Barcelona had appeared uncertain before Flick arrived in 2024, with the winger considering an exit from Catalonia. He has explained that, while in Brazil, he had already accepted the prospect of leaving before the incoming coach contacted him and asked him to delay any final decision until they had spoken.

In their meeting, Flick told the forward that he trusted him, expected him to be a significant player and believed Barcelona’s style would suit his qualities. Raphinha said that reassurance altered his thinking at a decisive moment and gave him the belief to commit fully to the club.

The Brazilian went on to become a central figure in Barcelona’s domestic title success in 2024-25, recording 34 goals and 26 assists across 57 outings. He followed that with another league title in 2025-26, contributing 21 goals and eight assists in 33 matches despite fitness difficulties.

Raphinha has said Flick’s support transformed not only his football but also his outlook, describing the manager as someone who changed his mentality and helped him develop personally. He also highlighted the open relationship Flick has established with his players, saying they have been able to approach the coach about any subject.

The winger recalled seeing Flick disappointed after a victory because he believed the team had not performed well. Raphinha sought to reassure him that winning was the priority and that confidence would eventually bring better football. His view was clear: he would rather take three points after a poor display than lose after playing well.

Captaincy and a timely return

Raphinha’s influence has also been recognised inside the dressing room, where his team-mates voted him into Barcelona’s leadership group and captaincy. He said the vote changed his perception of his own importance, as it showed that others saw qualities in him that he had not fully recognised.

Although he considers himself less vocal than many captains, Raphinha believes his work rate can set the standard. He sees the armband as more than a ceremonial role, arguing that players respond to leadership shown through effort and example rather than words alone.

His latest injury interrupted an exceptional opening to the current campaign. The thigh issue suffered during Brazil’s trip to Australia ruled him out of the recent games against Getafe and Galatasaray, but his partial return to training has raised hopes that he will be available for the trip to Real Betis.

Barcelona would welcome the attacking boost. With 14 goals from eight matches already this term, Raphinha has made a rapid impact and joined Messi and Ronaldo as the only Barcelona players to reach the same club scoring milestone at this stage of a season.