Raphinha returns to Barcelona early, Barça awaits recovery

The Brazilian winger Raphinha, 29, leaves the Seleçao camp after injuring his right thigh against Australia, and is released by the Brazilian Football Federation on Wednesday September 30 to join FC Barcelona in Catalonia, where his return is anticipated.

Medical Diagnosis and Release

Raphinha injured his right thigh during the second friendly match against Australia, where he was taken off at halftime. The Brazilian Football Federation issued a statement on Wednesday September 30 confirming his release for treatment. Imaging examinations revealed a slight muscle edema at the back of the right thigh.

Implications for Barça

FC Barcelona welcomes its 29‑year‑old winger earlier than expected, but the club expresses concern about the length of his unavailability. Barça would have preferred to bring him back under different circumstances, to monitor his recovery directly. No player will be called to replace him for Brazil’s next friendly against India, scheduled for this Saturday.

Catalan media criticize the Brazilian Federation and coach Carlo Ancelotti for having started Raphinha in both matches, deeming it difficult to see a key player return injured. This situation puts the Brazilian’s playing‑time management at the centre of the debate, without establishing the cause of the injury.

Although his return to Barcelona is anticipated, the date when Raphinha will be able to wear the blaugrana shirt again remains uncertain. The mild nature of the edema suggests a quick recovery, but no period of unavailability could be set.

This stubborn thigh had already kept the player out of action several times last season, including during the World Cup. Raphinha aims to become the new Ousmane Dembélé, but his momentum is temporarily halted.

At the same time, German coach Hansi Flick was mentioned as “in apnea”, highlighting the impact of Raphinha’s unavailability on other teams.