Barcelona superstar aiming to return from injury in time for Clasico vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Last week, FC Barcelona were dealt a major blow as key winger Raphinha was confirmed to have sustained a hamstring injury.

The injury happened while he was in action for the Brazilian national team in a friendly against France, which his team lost 1-2.

The Blaugrana have confirmed that Raphinha will be out for a period of five weeks, which is a huge setback for the team heading into the crucial phase of the season.

Raphinha targeting El Clasico comeback

Now, according to ESPN Brasil, despite the five-week timeline, Raphinha has already begun treatment in two daily sessions, as he intends to be fit for the high-profile fixture against Real Madrid.

The injury will rule him out of several important matches for Barcelona, including the decisive quarter-final encounter against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League next month.

He is also expected to miss the semi-finals of the Champions League, provided Barça see off Atletico Madrid and make it through.

Out for five weeks. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

But the winger is already working on a double-session rehab schedule each day, pushing to be ready sooner than expected.

Raphinha’s aim is to be ready and available for Barcelona in time for the second La Liga El Clasico of the season, which will be played at the Spotify Camp Nou on the weekend of 10-11 May.

The forward has endured a season affected by injuries at Barcelona, having already missed nearly two months between September and November due to a similar muscular issue in the same thigh.

There is also a bigger picture. With the World Cup approaching, it is not just about coming back quickly for Raphinha, but coming back right. And the winger has already begun work on his rehab.

So far this season, the 29-year-old superstar has recorded 19 goals and eight assists from 31 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona.