Barcelona captain Raphinha returns from thigh injury ahead of El Clásico
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Brazil forward Raphinha was withdrawn from Brazil duty with a small right-thigh muscle edema, then returned for Barcelona.
He is set to start against Real Madrid, having won his last six meetings.
Background
Raphinha is a Brazilian forward and Barcelona captain, converted to the No. 9 spot this season and formerly of Leeds United. He was hurt on Brazil duty in late September, the latest in a run of injuries during his past three call-ups, after hamstring problems at the World Cup and in the March friendlies. Barcelona hired Benjamin Kugel as new head of physical preparation this summer. He is trending because he is back fit just as Barcelona host Real Madrid in El Clásico.
How it unfolded
- Sep 29, 2026Raphinha scored a penalty but was subbed off at half-time in a friendly against Australia in Brisbane; Brazil won 4-2.
- Sep 30, 2026The Brazilian FA said an imaging exam showed a small muscle edema in the posterior region of his right thigh; he was withdrawn from the India friendly and expected to return to Barcelona for assessment.
- Oct 17, 2026Raphinha came off the bench in a 5-2 La Liga win over Real Betis, his first appearance since the international break.
- Oct 20, 2026He returned to the starting XI and played 60 minutes as Barcelona lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, ending an 11-game winning run.
- Oct 21, 2026Coach Hansi Flick said Raphinha has recovered and is ready to start.
- Oct 25, 2026Barcelona host Real Madrid in La Liga at the Camp Nou.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Coach Hansi Flick said Raphinha has recovered and is ready to go and start.
- Party
- Raphinha said the PSG defeat was just three points lost and the focus is now El Clásico.
- Caution
- Barcelona senior executives were disappointed he got injured on Brazil duty in March and asked him to manage himself more sensibly in future.
Still unverified
Sources close to Raphinha, speaking anonymously, said they do not believe the injury is serious.