Barcelona's Raphinha Out 5 Weeks with Hamstring Injury

Barcelona's key forward Raphinha sustained a right hamstring injury during Brazil's 2-1 friendly defeat to France on Thursday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and will miss the next five weeks of action, the club confirmed Friday.

The 29-year-old winger was substituted at halftime after experiencing discomfort in the back of his right thigh during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Brazil's medical staff conducted imaging tests the following day, which verified the muscle injury. The Brazilian Football Confederation announced that Raphinha, along with teammate Wesley who suffered a similar issue, was released from the national team squad ahead of Brazil's next friendly against Croatia. No replacements were called up, and both players returned to their clubs for treatment.

Barcelona stated that Raphinha is beginning his recovery process with the club, with an estimated absence of five weeks that extends into early May. This timeline rules him out for several critical matches as the LaLiga leaders pursue titles on multiple fronts. The Catalan side faces Atletico Madrid in LaLiga on April 4 at the Metropolitano Stadium, followed by the Champions League quarterfinal first leg at...