-myKhel Team

Barcelona face a crucial Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid without Raphinha, after confirmation of a right hamstring injury that is expected to rule the Brazil forward out for around five weeks, removing a major attacking option for both European and LaLiga fixtures.

The timing disrupts Barcelona’s momentum after an 8-3 aggregate victory over Newcastle United in the last 16, a tie in which Raphinha scored twice in the second leg, helping the LaLiga leaders build confidence before this demanding run of matches.

Raphinha sustained the injury while playing for Brazil in a 2-1 friendly defeat to France in Boston, with discomfort during the match leading to medical tests by the Brazilian Football Federation, which then confirmed damage to the right hamstring and prompted Barcelona’s updated prognosis.

The quarter-final legs against Atletico Madrid, scheduled for 8 April and 14 April, now fall well inside the anticipated recovery period, meaning Raphinha is expected to be unavailable for both meetings, as well as several important domestic fixtures for Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.

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If Barcelona advance past Atletico Madrid without Raphinha, attention will then turn to whether the winger can return in time for a potential Champions League semi-final, with the first leg set for the week commencing 27 April against either Sporting CP or Arsenal.

The club underlined the situation by sharing the Brazilian federation’s findings on social media, confirming the nature of the muscle problem and clarifying that the player will follow a specific recovery plan, with progress assessments determining any chance of an earlier comeback.

Raphinha’s absence removes a creative and goal threat from Barcelona’s right flank during a decisive spell, leaving the coaching staff to adjust selection and tactics while monitoring recovery, with the winger facing a tight schedule to feature again in this Champions League campaign.

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