Barcelona star ruled out for 5 weeks | OneFootball

La Liga giants Barcelona have late this week been hit with an absolute hammer blow on the personnel front.

This comes amid confirmation that Raphinha is facing up to an extended incoming spell on the sidelines.

Wide-man Raphinha was for his part back in action on the international stage on Thursday evening.

En route to Brazil’s 2-1 friendly defeat at the hands of France, the former Leeds United man was afforded a starting berth by Carlo Ancelotti.

Upon the two teams emerging for the 2nd-half, however, Raphinha was nowhere to be seen.

Post-match, manager Ancelotti went on to confirm that as much came as a result of a fitness problem suffered by the 28-year-old.

And 24 hours on, the extent of his setback has been revealed.

As per a statement across Barcelona’s social media platforms on Friday evening:

‘Raphinha has a right hamstring injury, as confirmed by medical tests carried out by the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) following the discomfort he experienced during the Brazil v France match in Boston on Thursday. The player is returning to Barcelona to begin the appropriate treatment. The estimated recovery time is five weeks.’

Conor Laird – GSFN