Raphinha suffers thigh injury, fourth in six months

Brazilian winger Raphinha suffered a muscle injury to the back of his right thigh, confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation, marking his fourth separate injury in less than six months and adding to a season that has already cost him 11 missed matches in the first half of 2026. At the start of the 2025/26 season, Raphinha spent almost two months sidelined with a thigh injury, keeping him out from late September until the end of November. Combined with the absences in 2026, the winger has missed a total of 24 official matches for Barcelona and Brazil. His playing time this season dropped to 2,194 minutes, less than half the 4,661 minutes he logged last season. In January, Raphinha missed Barcelona’s La Liga match against Real Sociedad due to physical discomfort. A February strain to his right adductor forced him onto the treatment table and ruled him out for three matches. Coach Hansi Flick openly admitted his frustration over the player’s recurring fitness problems.

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During the March international break, Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury to his right leg while representing Brazil. He did not receive medical clearance until 2 May, after which his return was carefully managed. He featured for 26 minutes in El Clasico and 63 minutes against Real Betis as Barcelona eased him back into action. In Brazil’s second match of the 2026 World Cup, a 3‑0 victory over Haiti, Raphinha signalled discomfort and was substituted in the 38th minute. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the injury as another muscular problem, ruling him out of the upcoming game against Scotland. His availability for the next phase of the World Cup remains uncertain.

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For Barcelona, Brazil and the 29‑year‑old himself, 2026 has become defined by an exhausting battle to stay fit rather than on‑field performances. The recurring setbacks have limited his contributions across all competitions this year. A photo of Raphinha’s World Cup injury taken by Kevin C. Cox captured the moment of his early substitution.