International breaks always make Barcelona nervous — and this one has already delivered a scare. Raphinha was substituted at half-time in Brazil's 1-2 defeat to France in Boston after feeling pain in his right thigh.
Ancelotti confirmed the issue post-match, describing it as minor muscle discomfort, but Barcelona know better than to relax until the scan results are in. Tests are scheduled for Friday.
The stakes are enormous. Raphinha is irreplaceable in Flick's system — his pressing, directness and goal threat are central to everything Barcelona do offensively. The UCL quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou is April 8. Missing that fixture is unthinkable.
Before the break, Raphinha was in the form of his life. A hat-trick against Sevilla. A brace and two assists in the 7-2 thrashing of Newcastle in the Champions League. He is arguably the best winger in the world right now. Barcelona will be praying the scans show nothing serious.
