Raphinha Set for Barcelona’s Getafe Return After Thigh Scare
Raphinha is expected to be available when Barcelona resume their La Liga campaign against Getafe after examinations found no significant muscle damage in the Brazilian forward’s thigh. The winger was substituted during Brazil’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday, having scored from the penalty spot before his departure.
Thigh concern does not reveal a tear
Raphinha returned to Catalonia after a 20-hour trip from Melbourne via Dubai and reported to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper for further checks. Tests were carried out after swelling was identified in his leg, but the assessment did not identify a structural issue or a meaningful muscle tear.
Barcelona have not issued a medical bulletin, in keeping with their usual approach where no defined injury has been diagnosed. The player spent around 90 minutes at the training complex on Friday morning before leaving in his own car.
He will not take part in Brazil’s third friendly of the international break, against India in Calcutta on Saturday, allowing him to continue his recovery work with Barcelona.
Barcelona to monitor winger on return to training
Although Raphinha has been cleared to enter the selection picture for Getafe, Barcelona’s medical staff will continue to assess him when the squad return to pitch work on Monday. The club’s priority is to avoid aggravating the thigh problem after a demanding international journey.
- Raphinha was forced off in the second half of Brazil’s victory over Australia.
- He had already converted a penalty in the 4-2 friendly success in Brisbane.
- Scans found oedema but no serious tear or structural damage.
- He has been excused Brazil duty for the India match in Calcutta.
- Barcelona are planning continued checks ahead of the Getafe fixture.
Raphinha’s goals have driven early league lead
The fitness update is particularly important for Hansi Flick’s side, who have made a perfect start to the league season. Barcelona have collected 21 points from seven matches and hold a five-point advantage over Atletico Madrid, with Real Betis also five points behind in third. Real Madrid sit fourth, six points adrift of the leaders.
| Position | Team | Points behind Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona | 0 |
| 2 | Atletico Madrid | 5 |
| 3 | Real Betis | 5 |
| 4 | Real Madrid | 6 |
Raphinha has been a decisive contributor to that run. He leads the La Liga scoring race with 12 goals and has registered 14 goals plus three assists in all competitions this season.
October schedule raises importance of Getafe return
Barcelona face a packed sequence after the Getafe match, beginning with a European fixture against Galatasaray before a domestic meeting with Real Betis. A Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain follows later in the month.
The first Clasico of the campaign against Real Madrid is scheduled for October 25. Barcelona will hope Raphinha’s thigh responds without complication as they seek to protect their league advantage while managing major domestic and European tests.
