Barcelona have confirmed their worst fear. Raphinha has been ruled out for approximately five weeks after injuring his right hamstring during Brazil's 2-1 friendly defeat to France at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Thursday night.
The 29-year-old did not emerge for the second half, and tests carried out by the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) the following day confirmed the diagnosis. He is now back in Barcelona beginning his rehabilitation.
The blow could not have come at a worse time for Hansi Flick's side. Raphinha will miss both Champions League quarter-final legs against Atletico Madrid — the first on April 8 at the Metropolitano, the second on April 14 at Camp Nou. He was arguably Barcelona's most important player going into those games, having scored twice in the 7-2 demolition of Newcastle in the round of 16.
He will also sit out league fixtures against Atletico, Espanyol, Celta Vigo and Getafe. Barcelona lead La Liga by four points from Real Madrid with nine rounds remaining, and every match in this run carries title weight.
This is the third time this season Raphinha has suffered a right hamstring injury. The recurring nature of the problem is a concern not just for Barcelona but for Brazil, who open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13. Carlo Ancelotti reportedly finalises his squad list around May 17, giving Raphinha a very narrow window to prove his fitness.
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, is expected to fill the void on the left of the attack. The Englishman has had a mixed loan spell so far and knows this is his moment to make the case for a permanent move.
If the five-week timeline holds, Raphinha could return for the Osasuna match on May 3 and be available for the potentially title-deciding Clasico at Camp Nou on May 10.
