Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was asked about the condition of Raphinha following Wednesday night’s Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.
Raphinha captained Barca and scored in the 3-2 comeback win at the notoriously challenging Signal Iduna Park, to continue his exceptional run of individual form.
The Brazilian might have been fearing for his place this season given the club’s very public pursuit of Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams during the summer. But he has responded in the best way.
Wednesday’s strike, which put Barca into the lead, was a sixth goal in the Champions League alone so far this season. Across all competitions, Raphinha has racked up 27 goals and assists in 23 games.
So when the former Leeds United winger was withdrawn with 20 minutes to go and the scores level, there was naturally cause for concern. But Flick has allayed the worries about anything major.
“He’s not injured. He’s just tired,” the boss assured fans when he spoke to reporters.
Whether there will be a knock-on effect as the Catalans prepare to face Leganes in La Liga on Sunday remains to be seen. Raphinha has started all but one game across all competitions so far this season, his only appearance as a substitute coming in the shock defeat to Osasuna in September.
But with Leganes struggling just above La Liga’s relegation zone, it may be worth considering a break from the starting XI, especially when Ferran Torres came off the bench against Dortmund to score twice, ultimately deciding the game in Barcelona’s favour.
“There is another game on Sunday, and we will see how the players recover,” Flick added. “But the bench is very good. Everyone who comes on must be 100%. Ferran and Fermin [Lopez] have combined. I am proud of all the players.”
