Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has ruled Raphinha out of the club's next two matches, deciding against risking his captain and top scorer for Saturday's La Liga trip to Getafe and Tuesday's Champions League visit to Galatasaray.
Flick confirmed the news at his Friday press conference after medical tests detected a minor problem in the Brazilian's right thigh, and with Raphinha having suffered recurring issues in the same area last season, the Catalans are taking no chances.
## Flick plays it safe
"The medical tests have detected a problem. It's not a serious injury, but it requires us to act with caution," Flick told reporters. "Last season he suffered several recurrent injuries in the same area, so we must take care of him and avoid any risk. For that reason, he will not be available for tomorrow's match nor for the clash against Galatasaray in Istanbul."
The 29-year-old was substituted at half-time during Brazil's 4-2 friendly win over Australia on September 29 with the thigh complaint. Brazil's initial examinations ruled out a serious problem, and Barcelona's own tests have confirmed that view — the issue is muscle swelling, or oedema, in the back of the right thigh rather than a tear.
## History repeating itself
The caution is understandable. Raphinha suffered four separate problems with his right thigh during the 2025-26 campaign, with his longest absence stretching from September to November 2025. Flick has made it clear he would rather lose his star winger for two matches than gamble and lose him for two months.
Raphinha's numbers make his absence significant. The Brazil captain is Barcelona's top scorer this season with 12 LaLiga goals, and he has 14 goals across eight appearances in all competitions — five clear of Lamine Yamal. But Barcelona's depth should cover Getafe, whom they have not lost to since October 2020.
As Sports Mole reported, Barcelona are being cautious with their most important player ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
## The Clasico run looms large
There is also one eye on what comes next. After Galatasaray, Barcelona face a brutal stretch against Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, and Flick wants his captain at full throttle for that run — especially El Clasico, where Raphinha has a habit of delivering on the biggest stage.
His absence opens the door for Gabriel Jesus, who has scored twice in just 41 minutes across four appearances this season. The Brazilian could make his first Barcelona start alongside Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon against Getafe, with Dani Olmo another option through the middle.
Frenkie de Jong (knee), Roony Bardghji (knee) and Andreas Christensen (thigh) also miss out, though Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia should be fit for the double boost Flick's side needed at the back.
## Barcelona's machine keeps rolling
It says much about Barcelona's squad that the league leaders can rest their top scorer without panic. Flick's side sit top of La Liga after a perfect start to the campaign and are one win away from their best-ever start to a league season, with Rodri, Pedri and Fermin Lopez keeping the midfield humming.
Young defender Xavi Espart is expected to be rewarded with a start at left-back after his new contract until 2030 was confirmed, underlining how deep Flick's options now run. Getafe have not beaten Barcelona since October 2020, and the coach's gamble-free approach reflects total confidence in the system over any one individual — even the captain.
Per TribalFootball, the Brazilian's absence could open the door for Gabriel Jesus to make his first start for Barcelona alongside Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Flick's message is clear — no unnecessary risks with the player Barcelona's season is built around. Two games without Raphinha is a small price to pay for a fully-fit captain when PSG and Real Madrid come calling. Can Jesus or Gordon seize this unexpected audition? Tell us who should start against Getafe in the comments.
