FC Barcelona have suffered a major injury that will affect the final of the Spanish Super Cup and, in all likelihood, the Champions League as well, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalans secured their place in the Riyadh decider against bitter rivals Real Madrid on Sunday by beating last four foes Osasuna 2-0 at the KSU Stadium.
Raphinha was one of the few bright sparks in a lackluster first half but was unable to make it to the break after suffering an injury.
On Friday afternoon in Spain, Barca released a statement related to the Brazilian.
“Tests carried out today have shown that Raphinha has a left hamstring injury. He is out and his recovery will determine his availability,” it read.
As usual, the Blaugrana have not specified a timeframe for Raphinha’s possible return.
According to Mundo Deportivo, however, it is expected that the $64.6 million (€59 million) signing from Leeds United in 2022 could be sidelined for a month.
That means Raphinha can only miss Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final, but also next Thursday’s Copa del Rey round of 16 against Unionistas and La Liga matches with Real Betis, Villarreal, Osasuna, Alaves, Granada and Celta Vigo.
In addition, he would also possibly miss a match against Italy on Feb. 21 when La Liga champions Barca face Serie A counterpart Napoli in the Champions League in the round of 16.
Head coach Xavi Hernandez now has a conundrum on his hands in deciding how to move forward without Raphinha.
The coach alluded to the return to the formula of four midfielders that in the past had someone like Gavi – also injured – or Pedri acting as a false left-back.
However, if the classic 4-3-3 is maintained, Ferran Torres and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal will fight for the vacant place on the right wing, while new signing Vitor Roque is another candidate in which he is usually discovered. the right wing. opposite flank or acting as an attacker.
At the same time, it turns out that Xavi does not need to overload Lamine or accelerate his progress with playing minutes that have so far been conscientiously controlled in 2023/2024.