The dreaded “FIFA virus” has struck again, and this time, the victim is Barcelona’s talismanic winger, Raphinha. After pulling up during Brazil’s 2-1 friendly defeat to France on Thursday, March 26, the news from the medical room is as grim as it gets for Hansi Flick and the Blaugrana faithful.
The Boston Breakout (of the Wrong Kind)
Playing at the Gillette Stadium in Boston, Raphinha was the bright spark in a Seleção side that struggled against the French. However, the alarm bells rang when he failed to emerge for the second half. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed post-match that the 29-year-old felt a “sharp pain” in his right leg just before the break.
On Friday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and FC Barcelona released matching statements confirming a right hamstring injury. The verdict? Five weeks on the sidelines.
A Season Derailed by the Same Muscle
This isn’t just a freak occurrence; it’s a recurring nightmare. This is the third time this season Raphinha has been sidelined by hamstring issues, having already missed nearly two months earlier in the campaign. For a player who has already racked up 19 goals and 7 assists this term, his absence leaves a gaping hole in Barca’s frontline.
The “Trilogy” Trouble: Games He Will Miss
The timing is catastrophic. Barcelona is entering the most defining stretch of their season, and Raphinha is set to miss a minimum of eight matches.The club has circled the El Clásico on May 10 as the optimistic target for his return. If Barca can somehow navigate the Atleti double-header without him, he faces a frantic race to be fit for a potential Champions League semi-final in late April.
