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Why Is Raphinha Not Playing Tonight for Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Apr 4, 2026 1:57 PM ET

FC Barcelona is getting closer to a full healthy squad ahead of the match against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano in La Liga.

Barcelona will look to maintain being at the top of the league table, where they currently have 73 points and are 16 points clear of Atletico Madrid, who are 4th with 57 points.

Barcelona will be without one of their most important player in the squad, Raphinha. The Brazilian winger played in Barcelona's last match in La Liga against Rayo Vallecano, before the March international break.

Raphinha then played for the Brazilian national team in a friendly match against France, where he only played in the first half.

Raphinha #11 of Brazil controls the ball during the game between France and Brazil at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Raphinha suffered an injury before halftime and was taken off before the start of the second half against France.

The Brazilian star is not part of the FC Barcelona squad against Atletico Madrid today and will be out for the next few weeks.

When Will Raphinha Return from Injury?

FC Barcelona confirmed that Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for the next four to five weeks.

FC Barcelona statement: "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."

Ahead of the match against Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was asked about Raphinha's injury.

Flick said, "These are things that happen. He went to Brazil. We were talking via FaceTime. To make him feel more at ease and with a clearer mind, we agreed that he should take a few days of rest in Brazil with his family."

In an interview with Mon Esport, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed frustration with the injury due to the number of fixtures players are scheduled to play, which leads to injuries.

Laporta said, "Raphinha's injury is a shame. It's a friendly match, and one of the team's best players suffers an injury. Of course, it's annoying. You can't blame the players. They are professionals, and they give their all for their country. The problem is the crowded schedule, at a time of the season when we are playing for everything. It's infuriating."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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