Raphinha has made a phenomenal start to the season for Barcelona, cementing his status as one of Europe's most formidable attackers. The 29-year-old has scored 14 times and provided three assists as the Spanish champions have racked up eight successive wins in all competitions. His performances have been so impressive that his omission from the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist prompted debate, with some arguing his form warranted greater recognition among the game's elite.
Yet, just as Raphinha appeared ready to take his game to another level, injury concerns have interrupted his momentum and he looks set to miss Barcelona's next two fixtures. Facing a demanding run of fixtures, including meetings with Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid this month in the Champions League and La Liga, keeping the Brazilian fit could prove just as important as making the most of his remarkable goalscoring form. Raphinha withdrew from international duty with a right thigh injury after he was substituted at half-time in Brazil's match against Australia.
"The tests show something," Barcelona boss Hansi Flick told the media. "It's not a serious injury, but we have to be careful because he had three injuries last year, and we have to take care of him." Flick defended Raphinha's decision to want to play for Brazil. "It's the national team and everyone wants to play for their national team," he said.
"That's Raphinha's mentality. Always give 100%." Although the setback does not appear to be major, the timing has not been ideal. "We must reflect on whether it was necessary for him to play in Australia, travelling so many thousands of kilometres," added Flick.
They have to choose friendly matches and in Europe it is not possible because of the Nations League." With tough tests to come, Flick will want all his leading attackers available and hope even a short spell on the sidelines won't disrupt Raphinha's rhythm. The situation has also presented Flick with a familiar dilemma. At the start of the season, there were concerns Barcelona had no established number nine after veteran Poland striker Robert Lewandowski left the club.
Raphinha has mainly been playing as a false nine this season, rather than his usual role on the wing and the team have looked unstoppable. They sit top of La Liga, five points clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, with Real Madrid a point further back in fourth place, and thrashed Feyenoord 5-1 in their Champions League opener. With 36 goals scored and eight conceded, they've been dominant at both ends of the pitch.
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