Every match Raphinha is set to miss

Raphinha Dias has returned injured from international duty with the Brazilian national team, and FC Barcelona already expects to be without him for at least the next five weeks, right as LaLiga and the Champions League enter their final stretch. 

The club confirmed in an official statement that the forward’s estimated recovery time is five weeks, meaning he could return just in time for El Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou against Real Madrid on May 10, a match that could prove decisive in the title race.

“The first-team player Rafael Dias ‘Raphinha’ has suffered a hamstring injury in his right thigh, as confirmed by medical tests carried out by the CBF following the discomfort he experienced during Brazil vs France. Raphinha has returned to Barcelona to begin the appropriate treatment. The approximate recovery time is five weeks,” Barça said in its official medical statement.

If the club’s medical staff timeline holds, head coach Hansi Flick will be without one of his most influential players for at least the next seven matches, five in LaLiga and two in the Champions League. 

That number could rise to four European games if Barcelona eliminates Atlético Madrid in the quarterfinals and advances to the semifinals. In other words, Raphinha would only be almost guaranteed to feature again if Barça reaches the Champions League final.

With the recovery period already outlined, Raphinha will miss LaLiga matches against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano, Espanyol at Spotify Camp Nou, Celta at home, Getafe at the Coliseum, and Osasuna at El Sadar. His expected return date is May 10 against Real Madrid in Barcelona.

In the Champions League, Raphinha will miss both legs of the quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid, as well as a potential semifinal first leg against Arsenal or Sporting CP. 

His availability for the second leg, scheduled for May 5 or 6, would still be uncertain.

Without a doubt, Raphinha’s absence represents a major setback for Barcelona.