Barcelona’s Brazilian forward, Raphinha, has been a key figure for both club and country this season. However, reports from AS suggest that Hansi Flick might consider resting the star player for the upcoming game against Leganes.
The decision comes as Raphinha has already played an enormous 2,232 minutes across all competitions this season, combining his contributions for Barcelona and Brazil.
Raphinha has been in remarkable form, cementing his place as one of the standout players, having scored 17 goals and 10 assists in 23 matches. His consistent performances have made him indispensable in Flick’s tactical setup.
However, footballers, no matter how fit or talented, are not immune to physical exhaustion. The intense schedule, coupled with international duties, has put significant demands on Raphinha’s body.
To prevent potential injuries, it might be necessary for Flick to rotate his squad and give Raphinha some much-needed rest.
There has been scare already
The Brazilian’s physical condition became a topic of discussion recently during a match against Borussia Dortmund.
Raphinha has played more than 2000 minutes this season. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
After feeling discomfort, Raphinha was substituted in the 71st minute, with reports later confirming it was due to muscle cramps rather than a serious injury.
Fortunately, he recovered quickly and resumed training without issues. However, the signs of fatigue are evident, and managing his workload is crucial to maintaining his fitness for the long season ahead.
Raphinha has played a lot
So far, Raphinha has played 1,409 minutes in La Liga across 17 matches. He has been substituted in a handful of games, including against Osasuna, Sevilla, Espanyol, Mallorca, and Betis.
In the Champions League, he has clocked 475 minutes across six group-stage matches, with substitutions in games against Bayern, Red Star, and Borussia Dortmund.
Adding his minutes with the Brazilian national team, his total playing time this season amounts to an exhausting 2,232 minutes.
While his contributions on the pitch have been vital, managing his minutes wisely will ensure he remains fresh and avoids injuries during this crucial phase of the season.
The decision to rest him against Leganes will ultimately depend on his muscle fatigue records and Flick’s tactical considerations.