TThe March international break took a toll on Barcelona. Hansi Flick will lose Rafinha in the upcoming matches, where Barcelona will fight for the two titles they still have to win. Tests conducted on the player confirmed that he was injured, and he was withdrawn from the national team camp.
The striker had to miss the friendly match between Brazil and France due to injury. “Raphinha played very well but he had a problem at the end of the first half and we had to substitute him. He was having a bit of trouble with his muscle,” Ancelotti said, adding that he was awaiting further tests.
These tests revealed that it was more than just a nuisance and that there was significant muscle damage. Specifically, the back of the right thigh, according to a statement released by CBF. The length of his absence has not been disclosed, but CBF officials told MARCA it could be as long as a month. If that happens, he will miss the Champions League quarter-final match against Atlético.
“On Friday, manager Carlo Ancelotti ruled Rafinha and Wesley out of the squad. Both players felt discomfort in the back of their right thighs during the game against France. On Friday, the players underwent imaging tests, which confirmed muscle damage. The players have left the squad to continue treatment. No other players will be called up to replace them,” the CBF said in a statement.
