Why Is Raphinha Not Playing Tonight for Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves?

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Why Is Raphinha Not Playing Tonight for Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated May 13, 2026 2:17 PM ET

FC Barcelona were crowned La Liga champions after beating Real Madrid 2-0 at home over the weekend, and now have three league games left, with the next goal finishing on 100 points this season.

Today, Barcelona will play away from home against Deportivo Alaves, who are in the relegation zone. Most of the players available over the weekend to face Real Madrid will play today, but one notable exception is Raphinha.

Raphinha was a part of the Barcelona squad for the last two La Liga games, but the Brazilian forward returned to the pitch from injury against Real Madrid this past weekend and played around 26 minutes.

Barcelona's Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha and Barcelona's Polish forward #09 Robert Lewandowski hold the trophy as Barcelona's players celebrate winning the 2025-2026 Spanish League after the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP via Getty Images)Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP via Getty Images

Raphinha is not included, and many Barcelona fans are confused to see his exclusion from the squad against Deportivo Alaves.

Is Raphinha Injured Again?

Raphinha is not injured and is out of the squad due to a one-game suspension. The Brazilian forward received a yellow card against Real Madrid, which resulted in his fifth of the season.

Raphinha is suspended due to the accumulation of yellow cards. The Brazilian forward is expected to play in the next two games against Real Betis and Valencia.

Other key players who are not included in the squad but were a part of the squad over the weekend are Fermin Lopez and Frenkie de Jong.