Raphinha unavailable for Barcelona against Real Sociedad due to thigh problem | OneFootball

Raphinha has been ruled out of Barcelona’s La Liga trip to Real Sociedad after suffering a knock to his right thigh, with the club opting not to take any risks over his fitness.

Barcelona confirmed on Sunday morning that Raphinha is unavailable for tonight’s trip to San Sebastian, explaining that the decision stems from the thigh problem he has been carrying rather than a fresh major injury setback.

The 29-year-old had skipped the final training session, having already been managed carefully in recent weeks due to ongoing muscle discomfort.​

His absence ends a run of five straight appearances in which he has often played through pain, including a standout Spanish Super Cup final display against Real Madrid.​

Raphinha has been dealing with discomfort in the adductor area of his left thigh since the start of the year. This has led to a strict minutes plan put in place by Barca’s medical department.

He had already been a doubt for the Real Sociedad match, with Hansi Flick admitting that the winger was “having problems after a knock” and would face a late fitness call.

Given his earlier hamstring issues this season, and a previous relapse that cost him around two months of action, the coaching staff have decided to err on the side of caution.​

Raphinha’s absence represents a significant blow to Barcelona’s quest to secure all three points against Sociedad and restore their four-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

The former Leeds United forward has racked up 11 goals and five assists in 18 matches across all competitions this term.