Barcelona forward Raphinha out for five weeks

Barcelona have confirmed that forward Raphinha picked up an injury during the friendly between Brazil and France.

He will be out for around five weeks, the club announced.

The Brazilian international started in attack as the Selecao continued to prepare for the 2026 World Cup with a match against Les Bleus in Boston on Thursday.

Unfortunately, the Barcelona star suffered a right hamstring injury, according to medical tests carried out by the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF).

Raphinha is returning to Barcelona to begin treatment, as the Catalans hope to have him back for the remainder of the season.

He will miss Barcelona’s games versus Atletico Madrid (La Liga), Atletico Madrid (Champions League), Espanyol (La Liga) and Atletico Madrid (Champions League).

The 29-year-old Barca captain will also be sidelined for games against Celta Vigo (La Liga) and Getafe (La Liga).

Raphinha has suffered frustrating injury setbacks this season, preventing him from reaching the heights he reached last term.

After delivering a staggering 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances last season, numbers that put him in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or, he has suffered a downturn.

He has managed just 19 goals and eight assists in 31 appearances for the Blaugrana.

Raphinha’s latest injury setback will put Marcus Rashford back under the spotlight. The Englishman will likely get the starting berth for these important games.

Rashford must seize this opportunity to convince Barcelona to sign him permanently.

Hansi Flick’s ultra-attacking system will always produce chances for forwards, and Rashford must take them.

The Manchester United forward is on loan at the Catalan club, and he needs them to make the move permanent.

If he plays a talismanic role as they hold on to their La Liga crown and advance in the Champions League, Barca will likely be his stomping ground next season.