Barcelona Sidelined by Raphinha Injury Crisis as Hansi Flick Prioritizes Star’s Mental Recovery in Brazil

Barcelona's Raphinha is 'very down' after a new injury blow. Hansi Flick explains the decision to allow the winger a mental health break in Brazil.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Goal

A Crushing Blow to Barcelona’s Triple-Header Ambitions

The Catalan giants have seen their tactical preparations for a season-defining stretch of matches severely compromised by the loss of Raphinha. The 29-year-old winger suffered a significant hamstring injury during Brazil’s recent defeat to France in Boston, marking the third time this campaign that the same muscle group has failed him. The timing of the injury is particularly catastrophic for the Blaugrana, as the forward is now expected to miss both legs of the critical Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, along with several high-stakes La Liga fixtures.

Hansi Flick Champions Player Mental Well-being

In a move that deviates from standard high-stakes football management, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have sanctioned Raphinha’s return to his homeland for the initial stages of his rehabilitation. Flick emphasized that the decision was driven by the player’s profound disappointment and the need to clear his mind after missing 20 games already this season. According to Flick, the psychological frustration of recurring injuries can be as debilitating as the physical pain, prompting the club to prioritize a holistic recovery approach over immediate clinical supervision in Spain.

Emotional Toll of Persistent Physical Setbacks

The German coach revealed that recent communications with Raphinha via FaceTime highlighted a player who was "very down" and struggling to cope with the latest blow. By allowing the winger to spend time with his family in Brazil, the Barcelona leadership is betting that a change of environment will accelerate his eventual return to the pitch. Flick noted that while the club normally requires injured players to remain on-site, the unique circumstances of Raphinha’s season-long struggles justified an exception to ensure he returns with the mental fortitude required for the final stretch of the year.