Barcelona will be without Raphinha for Sunday’s La Liga showdown against Real Sociedad at Anoeta after the winger picked up a knock in the win over Racing de Santander.
The 29-year-old did not travel to Donostia-San Sebastian, with the club opting to take a cautious approach ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed Raphinha was a doubt, with a final decision taken shortly before the squad travelled.
Barcelona later released a medical report clarifying the situation, stressing that the decision was purely precautionary.
“First team player Raphinha sits out the game against Real Sociedad as a precaution due to a knock to the right thigh.”
The club expect Raphinha to return for the midweek Champions League trip to Slavia Prague.
In his absence, Flick has several options, with Marcus Rashford the most likely replacement, while Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres and Roony Bardghji are also candidates.
Barcelona have struggled at times without Raphinha, making his absence a concern for a tricky away test, but the focus remains on securing all three points before welcoming the Brazilian back for Europe.
