Barcelona plan to assess Raphinha today after more than 20-hour journey from Australia | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to examine Raphinha today after the forward returned early from Brazil duty with a muscle problem.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona captain is due to land in Spain today, and the club plans to carry out medical tests as soon as possible. 

As such, it is his level of fatigue after the long journey that will determine whether the examination can take place immediately.

Notably, Raphinha has already left Brazil’s camp after suffering discomfort in his right thigh during the match against Australia. 

Barcelona now want a clear diagnosis on the issue, particularly because of his previous problems in the same area.

Barcelona waiting to assess Raphinha’s thigh

Raphinha will land in Barcelona today. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Right now, the immediate question is whether Raphinha is dealing with minor discomfort or something more significant.

The forward was substituted against Australia after feeling the problem, and subsequent tests with Brazil identified oedema in the affected area. 

He was released from international duty and will now continue his recovery with Barcelona.

The club’s medical staff want to establish exactly what caused the oedema and whether there is any underlying muscle damage.

Raphinha’s history makes the situation more concerning, as the same thigh caused him problems several times last season and kept him out for extended periods.

The level of fatigue will determine whether Raphinha can undergo medical tests today. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

That is why Barcelona are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with their captain, particularly given how important he has been to Flick’s team this season.

Raphinha’s fitness will be closely monitored

Raphinha has emerged as one of Barcelona’s most decisive players since the beginning of the campaign, making his availability particularly important when La Liga resumes.

The club therefore will not perform a simple assessment of whether he can train. Instead, the medical examination will determine how long he may need before returning to full activity.

Furthermore, his journey back from Australia is a whole new complication, with more than 20 hours of flying involved.

As such, Barcelona should have a clearer picture once the tests are completed, but for now, the club’s priority is to understand the extent of the thigh problem before deciding when Raphinha can safely return to action.