Raphinha ruled out of Getafe and Galatasaray games as Barcelona take cautious approach

Raphinha will miss Barcelona’s matches against Getafe and Galatasaray after the club decided to take a cautious approach to a right-thigh problem sustained on international duty. Hansi Flick confirmed the absences on Friday, according to EFE, ruling the forward out of Saturday’s La Liga fixture and Tuesday’s Champions League game.

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EFE reported that Raphinha had experienced muscular swelling at the back of his right thigh while with Brazil and trained separately from his Barcelona teammates during the week. Flick said tests had identified an issue and pointed to three injuries last season as the reason for caution. His comments framed the decision as protecting the player rather than responding to a major setback.

The interruption follows an exceptionally productive opening to the campaign. Sports Mole reported that Raphinha had scored 14 goals and supplied three assists in eight appearances across all competitions, with Barcelona winning each of those matches. The outlet said the current plan was for him to return against Real Betis on October 17, though that remains a target rather than a confirmed comeback.

Barcelona have also been using the Brazilian differently. BBC Sport reported that he has predominantly operated as a false nine this season, moving away from his usual wide role after Robert Lewandowski’s departure. The team lead La Liga by five points from Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, while their Champions League campaign began with a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord.

Gabriel Jesus is set to fill the central attacking position. According to EFE, Flick said the striker had improved since arriving and was ready to start after his work in training. BBC Sport identified Anthony Gordon, Dani Olmo and Karim Adeyemi as other players capable of occupying the false-nine role, although no alternative selection was confirmed.

Flick also addressed the demands of international travel after Raphinha was withdrawn at half-time against Australia. BBC Sport reported that the coach defended his player’s commitment to representing Brazil while questioning the need for such a long journey for a friendly. He acknowledged that European opponents were occupied with Nations League matches, limiting the available options for Brazil.