Raphinha has returned to Barcelona after withdrawing from Brazil duty with swelling in his right thigh, with the club set to examine the forward on Friday to establish the extent of the problem.
The 28-year-old travelled back from Australia via Dubai on Thursday local time after he was unable to complete Brazil’s second friendly against Australia. He left Brisbane, changed flights in Dubai and continued to Barcelona on a scheduled service.
Raphinha had been expected to arrive at about 13:00 local time, but landed later than planned. Barcelona and the player kept a low profile during the journey, while club security at Terminal 1 of Barcelona-El Prat Airport diverted reporters away from the arrivals area. No photographs were taken of Raphinha leaving the airport.
The medical assessment on Friday will determine whether the issue is limited to the swelling identified by Brazil’s medical staff. There is some optimism at Barcelona that the examination will not reveal a more serious injury.
Raphinha started both of Brazil’s friendlies during the international break. He played the whole of the first match before beginning the second as captain. The forward scored Brazil’s equaliser in the second game, but did not come back out for the second half after feeling discomfort in his right thigh.
The location of the problem is a particular concern because Raphinha has suffered repeated muscle injuries in the same thigh during the past year.
Barcelona will wait for the results before deciding how to manage the forward. If the examination confirms swelling without any significant muscle damage, head coach Hansi Flick will decide whether Raphinha needs additional rest or can be considered for the LaLiga fixture against Getafe.
The club’s schedule means Barcelona will have to weigh any potential risk carefully. After the league match, they are due to travel to Istanbul in midweek for their second Champions League group-stage game, against Galatasaray on the 13th.
All decisions regarding Raphinha’s recovery and availability will be made after Friday’s examination.