According to a new report from SPORT, Barcelona are increasingly optimistic about Raphinha’s return to action, with the Brazilian winger now entering the final phase of his recovery.
After several weeks on the sidelines, the player is finally expected to rejoin group training sessions this week, marking a significant step forward in his rehabilitation.
Although there is a faint chance he could be included in the squad for Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Celta Vigo, the staff is keen not to take unnecessary risks with his fitness at such a crucial point in the season.
Raphinha’s absence has stretched far longer than originally anticipated. He last featured for Barcelona against Real Oviedo, where he was substituted around the 65th minute due to discomfort.
Subsequent medical examinations revealed a muscle injury, with an initial recovery timeline of roughly three weeks.
A lot has happened since
However, that forecast has since doubled. It has now been over six weeks since the winger last featured for Barcelona, as his recovery process took longer than expected due to a minor relapse.
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez, FC Barcelona players
Raphinha in the final phase of recovery. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
This setback forced the club’s medical department to adopt a more cautious approach, refusing to commit to a specific return date.
Despite the delay, there is renewed optimism that Raphinha’s progress in recent days has been positive, and he is already in the final stretch of recovery.
Though he did not feature against Elche and won’t be available for the Champions League tie against Club Brugge, there is growing belief that he could be back in contention for the Celta Vigo clash.
Flick and the club’s medical team, however, are aligned in their stance that Raphinha will not be rushed back.
The focus remains on ensuring he is 100% fit before returning to competitive action.
Encouragingly, he is expected to begin partial training sessions with the group later this week.