Raphinha to miss Barcelona's next two games with thigh injury

Raphinha will miss Barcelona's next two matches after coming back from the international break with a right thigh injury. The Brazilian forward, a central figure in the LaLiga leaders' explosive start to the season, was substituted at half-time in Brazil's friendly against Australia. Tests have ruled out a serious problem, but the coaching staff have decided to hold him back before a demanding run of games.

• Raphinha withdrew from Brazil duty after being replaced at the break against Australia due to a right thigh issue.
• Hansi Flick confirmed the injury is not serious but pointed out the forward had three fitness problems last season.
• The Barcelona captain has registered 14 goals and 3 assists during the team's run of eight straight wins.
• Gabriel Jesus, Anthony Gordon, Dani Olmo and Karim Adeyemi are the main options to step into the false nine role.
• Barcelona can equal the best start in LaLiga history with an eighth consecutive league win against Getafe.

The injury behind Raphinha's absence and how long he will be out

The setback occurred during Brazil's friendly with Australia, when Raphinha asked to be taken off at the interval with discomfort in his right thigh. Flick gave a measured assessment: "The tests show something. It's not a serious injury, but we have to be careful because he had three injuries last year, and we have to take care of him." That is why the club has decided to rest him for Getafe and the trip to Istanbul.

Hansi Flick questions the long trip to Australia

The German coach did not hide his frustration over Raphinha's journey to Oceania in the middle of the season. "We must reflect on whether it was necessary for him to play in Australia, travelling so many thousands of kilometres," Flick said. "It's incredible. They have to choose friendly matches and in Europe it is not possible because of the Nations League." At the same time, he backed the player's commitment to his national team.

"It's the national team and everyone wants to play for their national team. That's Raphinha's mentality. Always give 100%."

Raphinha's stunning start to the season in numbers

Raphinha has been in devastating form since the opening weeks of the campaign. Across all competitions he has scored 14 goals and provided 3 assists, driving Barcelona to eight consecutive wins. His omission from the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist sparked real debate, with many arguing that his performances deserved recognition among the very best players in Europe.

Who replaces Raphinha against Getafe and Galatasaray

For most of this season Raphinha has operated as a false nine rather than in his traditional wide role. Gabriel Jesus, the deadline-day signing from Arsenal, is the leading candidate to take that position for the matches against Getafe and Galatasaray. Flick also has plenty of alternatives: Anthony Gordon, Dani Olmo and Karim Adeyemi can all play through the middle if the situation demands it.

What is at stake for Barcelona without their captain

Barcelona sit top of LaLiga, five points clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, with Real Madrid a point further back in fourth. In Europe they opened their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 thrashing of Feyenoord. A win over Getafe would make it eight straight league victories and match the club's best ever start to a LaLiga season, set in 2013-14. With 36 goals scored and eight conceded, the team has been dominant at both ends of the pitch.

Raphinha's injury history and his key role in Flick's system

Last season was a frustrating one for Raphinha on the fitness front. He was limited to 33 appearances and a hamstring injury disrupted his rhythm. Most painfully, he was missing when Barcelona were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid. He still finished with 21 goals, helped secure the league title and scored twice in a standout Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid. That is exactly why Flick wants to avoid any relapse.

The Brazilian offers far more than numbers. As captain, he represents the aggressive, high-intensity identity of this Barcelona side, combining direct attacking play with relentless pressing and a willingness to work for the team. His finishing has become a defining quality: once a creator for others, he is now a consistent goalscorer himself. His absence, however brief, arrives before a month that includes Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. The temptation to rush him back will be strong, but the club hopes this is a small interruption and not the start of another cycle of fitness problems.