Raphinha is ready for Barça’s big week: PSG and Real Madrid

Raphinha, with FC Barcelona, played 20 minutes against Real Betis and is now set for the first big week of the season: a Champions League clash at Paris Saint-Germain followed by a LaLiga game vs Real Madrid.

The Brazilian missed the first two matches after the international break, against Getafe and Galatasaray, after withdrawing during halftime of Brazil’s match vs Australia and leaving the national team camp. Even without an official injury report, he rested as a precaution due to muscle discomfort, in line with what happened to him last season.

Return plan and minutes

Joan Laporta had pointed to his comeback in Paris, while Hansi Flick said he would rest him for the two games Raphinha ultimately didn’t play. Raphinha also has recent evidence against PSG: he scored three goals in the 2023-24 Champions League quarter-finals (two in the first leg, won 2-3, and one in the second leg, won 1-4).

After those minutes vs Betis, it remains to be seen how much he can handle in Paris—starting or coming off the bench—with the aim of being 100% for the Madrid match.