Barcelona’s key winger Raphinha faces a five-week layoff with a hamstring injury, sidelining him for the crucial two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid.
BARCELONA will be without forward Raphinha for their Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian sustained a hamstring injury while on international duty.
He was hurt during Brazil’s 2-1 friendly defeat to France in the United States. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed both Raphinha and Roma’s Wesley felt pain in their right hamstrings.
Tests on Friday confirmed muscular injuries for both players. Barcelona stated the winger is returning to the club to begin treatment.
“The estimated recovery time is five weeks,” Barcelona said. This timeline rules him out of both legs against Atletico on April 8 and April 14.
The 29-year-old will also miss key La Liga fixtures against Atletico, Espanyol, Celta Vigo and Getafe. He has scored 19 times for the Catalan club this season.
Barcelona will hope he returns for the Clasico against Real Madrid on May 10. He could also be available for a potential Champions League semi-final on April 29.
His recovery should see him fit for Brazil’s World Cup campaign. The tournament begins in Canada, Mexico and the United States on June 11.
