Barcelona have received positive news on Raphinha after initial tests ruled out a serious injury, although, as reported before, the forward is returning from Brazil duty after suffering swelling in his right thigh.
Journalist Javi Miguel confirms that the first examinations found no major injury, with Raphinha instead carrying a knock and muscle oedema.
The Brazilian Football Confederation has consequently released him from international duty, allowing him to return to Barcelona and continue his recovery under the club’s medical staff.
As such, the plan for Raphinha is to undergo another examination in Barcelona on Thursday, and if the additional assessment confirms that the problem is limited to swelling, he could be back in action within around 10 days.
That would leave the Barcelona captain in contention for the club’s return against Getafe after the international break.
Raphinha ruled out of Brazil vs India
The immediate consequence of the injury is Raphinha’s withdrawal from Brazil’s squad.
The winger will miss the upcoming friendly against India after the CBF confirmed that he is suffering from muscle oedema.
Raphinha was injured against Australia while on national team duty. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
The Brazilian federation has opted for a precautionary approach, sending him home rather than keeping him with the squad.
A serious injury has already been ruled out by the initial examinations, as the tests showed no structural damage, with only slight swelling detected in the right thigh.
Raphinha’s history in the same area explains the caution surrounding the situation, having suffered four injuries there last season and spent more than 150 days sidelined.
On that note, neither Brazil nor Barcelona had any reason to take unnecessary risks with a player who remains central to Hansi Flick’s plans.
Barcelona keeping close eye on Raphinha
Concern in Barcelona increased as soon as Raphinha failed to return for the second half against Australia.
The Brazil No. 10 had played the full 90 minutes in the first meeting between the two sides but was withdrawn at half-time in the second after feeling discomfort in his thigh.
Raphinha will undergo more medical tests on Thursday. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
He went into the dressing room at the interval and did not return for the second half, prompting Barcelona to seek as much information as possible from the Brazilian medical staff.
The club’s position was that if there was any meaningful risk of aggravating the problem, Raphinha should return to Spain, and that is exactly what has happened.
Raphinha has El Clasico in his sights
For now, Barcelona’s priority is to get Raphinha back for the first fixture after the international break.
Furthermore, the bigger target is keeping him available for the demanding run of matches that follows, with El Clasico at Camp Nou scheduled for October 25.
Raphinha’s recovery will therefore be monitored carefully over the coming days.
Fortunately, for now, the initial diagnosis shows significant relief for Barcelona. There is no serious injury, and if Thursday’s examination confirms that the swelling is minor, the Brazilian could be back within 10 days.
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