Raphinha talks Yamal, injury return, future and more ahead of El Clasico vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Raphinha is set to return for Sunday’s El Clasico at the Camp Nou, and ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, the Brazilian has sat down with Movistar for a wide-ranging interview.

Heading into this game, the Brazilian talked about his injury, his future at the club and his thoughts on Lamine Yamal.

The winger suffered a blow when he picked up an injury during a friendly with Brazil in the United States, ruling him out of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. He subsequently spent time recovering in Brazil before returning to Barcelona to prepare for the Clasico.

What Raphinha has said ahead of El Clasico

Raphinha was characteristically direct when assessing what lies ahead.

“The rival suits me, maybe. I am looking for my best version again. I’m still a little short. We expect it to be a quite complicated match, they still have mathematical possibilities of winning the league, so they are not going to give us anything. If we win, let’s celebrate the league,” he said (h/t Diario SPORT).

All eyes on Raphinha ahead of Real Madrid clash (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Asked about filling in on the right flank in Lamine Yamal’s absence, Raphinha was quick to manage expectations with a touch of humility.

“If I play on the right wing, don’t expect anything special because I am not Lamine. Lamine is a star and the things he does,” he said.

On the subject of his long-term future at Barcelona, amid recent speculation linking him with a departure, Raphinha was open and straightforward, doubling down on his desire to stay at the club.

“I see myself here for many years. I have a contract until 2028 and if the club wants to talk to me, I am open,” he concluded.

Hansi Flick opted for caution in the last game against Osasuna, but the Brazilian is expected to play a key role as Barcelona as they lock horns against Los Blancos tonight.