Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was asked about Raphinha’s condition after Wednesday night’s Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.
Raphinha captained Barça and scored in the comeback for 3-2 at the notoriously challenging Signal Iduna Park, to continue his outstanding individual career.
The Brazilian may have feared for his place this season given the club’s public pursuit of Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams over the summer. But he has responded in the best way.
The strike on Wednesday, which put Barça on top of that, it was a sixth goal only in the Champions League so far this season. In all competitions, Raphinha has amassed 27 goals and assists in 23 games.
So when the former Leeds United winger was withdrawn with 20 minutes to go and the level of scores, there was naturally cause for concern. But Flick has eased worries about anything major.
“He’s not hurt. He’s just tired,” the boss assured fans when speaking to reporters.
If there will be a side effect as the Catalans prepare to face Leganés The League Sunday remains to be seen. Raphinha has started all but one game in all competitions so far this season, his only substitute appearance coming in the surprise defeat to Osasuna in September.
But with Leganés struggling just above League relegation zoneit might be worth considering a starting XI, especially when Ferran Torres came off the bench against Dortmund to score two goals, ultimately deciding the game in favor of Barcelona.
“There’s another game on Sunday and we’ll see how the players recover,” added Flick. “But the bench is very good. Everyone who comes has to be at 100%. Ferran and FermÃn (López) have combined. I’m proud of all the players.”
