Raphinha returned from Brazil duty with a small swelling in the back of his right thigh after the second friendly against Australia. Subsequent medical checks in Barcelona did not reveal a true injury, providing some relief for the club. Despite the setback, the forward has not yet rejoined full-team training, leaving coach Hansi Flick with a careful selection approach ahead of the fixture. He has spent the opening part of the week undergoing intensive physiotherapy at the Ciutat Esportiva to reduce the swelling. While the initial plan was for him to rejoin the squad on Thursday, progress has not accelerated enough to guarantee that outcome.
The decision to manage Raphinha cautiously seems sensible as Barcelona enter a demanding run of fixtures. A cautious call helps avoid risking his condition for a single match, which could lead to bigger issues if the issue worsens. If Raphinha does not start, it could create an opportunity for Gabriel Jesus to make his first Barcelona start. The Brazilian forward has been waiting for a chance to establish himself, and Getafe could be the match where Flick considers giving him a starting role if the captain remains unavailable.
In summary, Barcelona are prioritizing a full recovery for Raphinha by keeping him on the bench for Getafe unless his condition improves, while using the opportunity to test alternatives such as Gabriel Jesus in the lineup.
