Barcelona are reportedly considering resting captain Raphinha for Saturday’s clash with Getafe, despite medical tests ruling out any serious injury after the Brazilian suffered swelling in his right thigh while on international duty. 🇧🇷🩺
Raphinha’s situation has apparently left Hansi Flick thinking beyond just one match. The Barça captain has been one of the team’s most important attacking weapons this season, but the club simply cannot afford to push him too hard with a monster run of fixtures coming immediately after Getafe. 👀🔥
The medical checks were positive and confirmed that Raphinha only suffered a muscular edema rather than a serious injury, meaning he is available for the Getafe game. However, Flick could still decide that available does not necessarily mean he has to start.
And honestly… the schedule explains everything. 😮💨
After Getafe, Barça face Galatasaray in the Champions League, then Real Betis, another massive European showdown with Paris Saint-Germain, before the month reaches its explosive climax with El Clásico against Real Madrid on October 25. 😱🔥
That is a brutal stretch of football, and Flick reportedly wants his captain at full strength when the biggest battles arrive.
🇧🇷 Enter Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian forward has emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Raphinha if Flick decides to give his captain a breather. Jesus has already been involved in training with the Barça squad and could be handed a golden opportunity to prove he deserves a bigger role.
Interestingly, Jesus himself has been full of praise for Raphinha, recently describing his fellow Brazilian as “on fire” and highlighting his incredible finishing ability. 🔥🇧🇷
Now, he could be the man asked to step up if Barça’s captain watches the opening stages from the bench. 👀
There is also a strong argument for protecting Raphinha. He has already played a huge role in Barça’s spectacular start, and with the club sitting on seven wins from seven league matches, Flick has little reason to take unnecessary risks against Getafe.
The message from the Barça camp appears clear: don’t panic, but don’t gamble either. 🧠🔵🔴
Raphinha could still feature if needed, but Flick may prefer to preserve his captain for the battles that could define Barcelona’s October.
🔥 Raphinha rested?
🔥 Gabriel Jesus starting?
🔥 The captain saved for Galatasaray, PSG and El Clásico?
Flick has a big decision to make… and Barça fans will be watching that starting XI VERY closely. 👀🔴🔵
#FCBarcelona #Barcelona #Raphinha #GabrielJesus #HansiFlick #LaLiga #ChampionsLeague #ElClasico #ViscaBarça
