Barcelona optimistic star winger could return from injury after the international break

FC Barcelona lost star winger Raphinha to a thigh injury earlier this week during the 1-0 win over Sevilla.

The 26-year-old had to be subbed off in the first half during the contest against Los Nervionenses after he went down clutching the back of his right thigh.

On Saturday, Barcelona officially confirmed that the Brazilian international had indeed injured his thigh and was set for a spell out on the sidelines.

Raphinha could be back after the international break

Initial reports suggested that Raphinha would be out for close to a month and his return would most likely take place in the Clasico against Real Madrid late in October.

However, as per a fresh update from journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, there is a growing optimism regarding Raphinha’s recovery within Barcelona and the feeling is that the winger could be back soon after the next international break.

What is certain is that the 26-year-old will miss the next couple of matches against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League and Granada in La Liga.

The international break will follow thereafter after which the Blaugrana will resume their season with a league game against Athletic Club before facing Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

And, if all goes well, Raphinha could very well return after the international break, potentially in time to become available for those matches before Barcelona face Real Madrid in the last week of October.

No shortage of options for Xavi

While Raphinha is an important player for Barcelona, Xavi has enough options at his disposal to cope with the Brazilian winger’s absence.

Indeed, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres are in good nick and can more than make up for Raphinha while the manager could also count on Fermin Lopez as an option. Joao Cancelo could also be a left-field choice if Xavi wishes to go in that direction.

But with the season set to enter an important juncture, the La Liga champions will hope that Raphinha returns at the earliest possible.