Raphinha injury Barcelona setback as winger ruled out of Atletico clash with hamstring problem and five-week recovery timeline

Raphinha will miss FC Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid after being ruled out for five weeks with a hamstring injury.

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The Brazilian winger sustained the injury during Brazil national football team’s 2-1 friendly defeat to France national football team in the United States on Thursday.

According to the Brazilian Football Confederation, Raphinha reported discomfort in his right hamstring during the match and subsequent tests confirmed a muscular injury.

Barcelona later confirmed that the player would return to Spain to begin treatment, with an estimated recovery period of five weeks, ruling him out of both legs of the high-stakes tie against Atletico Madrid scheduled for April 8 and April 14.

The Raphinha injury Barcelona setback is a significant blow for the Catalan club, with the winger having scored 19 goals this season and playing a pivotal role in their attacking line.

His absence also extends to key domestic fixtures, including La Liga clashes against Atletico Madrid, Espanyol, Celta Vigo and Getafe, potentially affecting Barcelona’s title ambitions.

Managerial plans will now be forced into a rapid adjustment, particularly against an Atletico side led by Diego Simeone, known for its disciplined and resilient approach in knockout competitions.

Barcelona will hope the Brazilian can recover in time for the El Clasico against Real Madrid on May 10, as well as a potential Champions League semi-final later in April.

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Despite the setback, early indications suggest Raphinha should regain fitness in time to feature for Brazil at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, set to begin on June 11 across North America.