Raphinha to miss Barcelona’s next two matches

Barcelona forward Raphinha will miss the club’s next two matches as he recovers from a thigh problem, coach Hansi Flick said Friday, October 9. Flick said the decision was precautionary and that Raphinha would sit out Saturday’s LaLiga game against Getafe and Tuesday’s Champions League match against Galatasaray in Istanbul. Flick said medical tests detected an issue but did not indicate a serious injury. He cited Raphinha’s history of problems in the same area, including three injuries last season, as a reason to avoid risking the player’s fitness. The coach did not give a confirmed date for Raphinha’s return. The Brazilian Football Confederation said examinations found small muscle edema in the posterior right thigh and ruled out a tear. Raphinha sustained the problem while on international duty, leaving Brazil’s camp after being substituted at halftime of a friendly against Australia because of muscle discomfort. Barcelona’s reported plan is for Raphinha to return for the match against Real Betis on October 17, but his availability for that fixture has not been confirmed. Flick’s comments establish only that the forward will miss the two upcoming games.