Barcelona have now confirmed Raphinha will not play in a statement that reads: “First team player Raphinha sits out the game against Real Sociedad as a precaution due to a knock to the right thigh.”
The news is a blow as Raphinha has been in brilliant form once again for the Catalans. He scored four goals in two games in Saudi Arabia to help inspire Barcelona to victory at the Spanish Super Cup.
Raphinha’s absence means that Marcus Rashford could be handed a start against Real Sociedad in place of the Brazilian.