The international break has claimed another victim, with Barcelona reportedly without Raphinha for a month due to an injury sustained while playing for the Brazilian national team.
Raphinha previously suffered an injury while playing for Brazil in a friendly against France. He had to be withdrawn late in the first half after feeling a muscle problem.
According to a Marca report on Saturday, medical tests showed that the 28-year-old striker could be out for at least a month.
Raphinha is certain to miss several important matches as the Blaugrana continue to compete for two titles this season.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) revealed that the player has now left the Brazil national team squad and returned to Barcelona for further treatment. In addition to Raphinha, AS Roma defender Wesley was also sent back to his club due to the same issue.
"Raphinha and Wesley were sent home on Friday (local time) by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Both players felt problems in the back of their right thighs during the match against France. On Friday, the players underwent scans that confirmed muscle injuries," read an official CBF statement.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti had said the player had been performing well before the injury and was awaiting further test results.
Further tests later confirmed that the injury was not just a minor ailment, but a significant muscle injury.
If true, Raphinha is expected to miss the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid.
