Barcelona and Hansi Flick are facing a major setback as the "International Break Curse" strikes again. Reports on Friday, March 27, 2026, have confirmed that Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg during Brazil’s 2-1 friendly defeat against France in Boston.
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The news is particularly devastating because the injury affects the same muscle that kept him sidelined for nearly two months earlier this season.
The Injury Breakdown: A History of Setbacks
Raphinha was substituted at halftime during the France match after feeling sharp discomfort. According to team medical staff and early reports from AS, the concern is that he has re-injured the biceps femoris in his right thigh.
This is now his fourth injury of the 2025/26 campaign:
September 2025: Hamstring injury (Right leg) — Out for 58 days (missed 13 games).
January 2026: Minor knock — Out for 3 days.
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February 2026: Adductor strain (Right thigh) — Out for 2 weeks.
March 2026: Hamstring injury (Right leg) — Current status: Pending tests.
If tests confirm a significant tear, Raphinha could miss the remainder of the domestic season and the Copa del Rey final on April 18. This would also put his place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad in serious jeopardy.
Impact on Hansi Flick’s System
Raphinha has been the engine of Barcelona’s high-pressing game this season, tallying 13 goals and 5 assists in 22 appearances. His absence leaves a massive void in the attack:
The Rashford Opportunity: With Raphinha out, Marcus Rashford is expected to return to the starting XI. The Manchester United loanee has excelled when called upon, providing 19 goal contributions so far this term.
The Title Race: Barcelona currently sits just one point clear of Real Madrid. Losing their most industrious winger for the final stretch could be the turning point in the La Liga title race.
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UCL Quarter-Finals: Barcelona is set to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals next month. Facing his former Premier League rivals without Raphinha’s work rate is a nightmare scenario for Flick.