Following Barcelona’s victory over Oviedo, head coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Raphinha was substituted because of muscular discomfort, handing the Blaugranes a huge scare ahead of crucial Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday at the Montjuic Stadium.
The Brazilian forward lasted just over an hour before pulling up with an injury and had to be replaced by Robert Lewandowski. Softfootball had reported that Barca are already without Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Balde through injury. They will be hoping that Raphinha isn’t added to that list.
The former Leeds United winger had an instant impact, heading home a sublime cross from Frenkie De Jong to help Barca turn the game on its head. Hansi Flick’s side were initially trailing just after the half-hour mark when a howler from Joan Garcia allowed Alberto Reina to lob home a sublime effort from close to the halfway line.
An Eric Garcia tap in pulled Barca level before Lewandowski gave them the lead. Club captain Ronaldo Araujo sealed the three points with a header of his own in the 88th minute, converting a pinpoint corner from Marcus Rashford.
However, Raphinha’s injury overshadowed the impressive victory. The forward reportedly felt discomfort in the back of his right leg and had to be taken off when he couldn’t shake it off.
The good news for Barca is that initial scans have ruled out a hamstring injury, although they’d have to wait until later today to get clarity on the extent of the issue after a more in-depth examination.
Flick managed to ease fears of a long-term injury after the game when he told reporters that the substitution was a technical decision. He later admitted during his post-match press conference as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his Facebook Page that the Brazilian was withdrawn because he was struggling with some discomfort in his leg. The post reads:
JUST IN: Hansi Flick confirms Raphinha was subbed off because he had slight DISCOMFORT in his right leg in the second half.
Raphinha is expected to miss Sunday’s La Liga clash with Real Sociedad as a precaution, with all attention now turning to whether he will recover in time for the high-stakes meeting with reigning European champions PSG. His availability could prove decisive in Barcelona’s hopes of advancing on the continental stage.
