Barcelona have officially confirmed that Raphinha has suffered a hamstring injury in his right thigh against Sevilla this weekend.
Raphinha started in midfield, as Barca are already playing without De Jong and Pedri. 16-year-old young gem Lamine Yamal started on right-wing. So, Xavi decided to start Raphinha in midfield alongside Gavi and Gundogan.
The Brazilian had plenty of chances to score a goal, and was playing well in his new role. However, after the half-hour, mark, he was chasing a long ball, and pulled his hamstring in Sevilla’s box.
Later on he was replaced by Fermin Lopez, who again had a brilliant impact on the game. Moreover, Xavi’s side did manage to win the game after Sergio Ramos’ own goal, but Raphinha will now miss the next games for the Catalans.
How many matches will Raphinha miss?
According to Toni Juanmarti, the Brazilian international is understood to have injured the femoral biceps. So, early signs indicate he could be out for at least a month.
Raphinha will miss the Blaugrana’s next game in the Champions League against FC Porto and Granada in La Liga in early October.
The international break will then start, and after the break he will miss the matches against Athletic Club and Shakhtar Donetsk as well.
Can Raphinha return before El Classico
At the moment, Raphinha will aim to return from his injury in time to face arch-rivals Real Madrid in El Classico on October 28.
Barcelona will face Los Blancos at home in their final match of October. Xavi’s side will miss Raphinha’s presence in the next four games, but his return against Madrid will be huge boost for them.
Nevertheless, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres will replace Raphinha on the wings.
