Hamstring injury means the Brazil international will miss several key fixtures for Barcelona, but could be fit in time for a potential title decider
Raphinha is pushing for full recovery from his hamstring injury before Barcelona face Real Madrid in May’s clásico.
The winger picked up the injury during a friendly defeat for Brazil against France last week, dealing Barcelona a huge blow ahead of the crucial season run-in.
The initial recovery timeline provided for the Brazil international is five weeks, but latest reports are that Raphinha has already begun an intensive rehabilitation programme, training twice daily in a bid to accelerate his return. His target is to be fit for what could be a decisive game for the title against Madrid at the weekend of 10-11 May at Camp Nou.
The injury means Raphinha will miss several key fixtures for Barcelona, including their upcoming Champions League quarter-final double header against Atletico Madrid. He could also miss the semi-finals if Barcelona progress.
Raphinha has already faced a major injury issue this season, having been sidelined for nearly two months in the first half of the campaign with a similar thigh problem.
Both the player’s camp and Barcelona are also mindful of the long-term picture, with the World Cup approaching, meaning the focus is not only on a quick return but a full recovery.
The 29-year-old has registered 19 goals and eight assists in 31 appearances so far this season.
