Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that Raphinha will miss the club's upcoming games against Getafe and Galatasaray after returning from Brazil duty with a hamstring problem. The Brazilian forward, who has scored 14 goals in eight Barça appearances this season, picked up the knock in the Seleção's 4-2 friendly win over Australia last week.
Sources told ESPN the injury is not serious and that Raphinha should be available for major matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid later this month, but the Catalan club will take no risks. "The [scan] showed something," Flick said. "It's not a big injury, but we have to take care about this. Last season, I think [he had] three injuries like this, so we take care." Raphinha, 29, missed 25 games for club and country last season because of hamstring issues.
The absence gives summer signing Gabriel Jesus, who has scored two goals in four appearances off the bench, a chance to start his first games since joining from Arsenal. Flick praised his progress and said he is ready. Joan García is fit to return in goal, while Frenkie de Jong is close to a comeback and could be back in the squad for the visit to Betis next Saturday.
Barça have won all eight of their games in all competitions this season, but face a demanding October schedule. After hosting Getafe on Saturday, they play away at Galatasaray, Real Betis and PSG before the Clásico against Madrid at Camp Nou on Oct. 25. Flick said the focus is on the next game. "Getafe is not an easy game," he said. "For us, the focus is Getafe."
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing