Barça Shields Rafinha as Injury Sparks Protective Move

Rafinha Injury Update

Barcelona resumed training on Monday with Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé joining the group, but Rafinha had not yet returned to the Catalan region.

The Brazilian winger suffered a right hamstring injury last Thursday in the friendly against France and will be out for five weeks.

After confirming the duration of his absence and given his inability to train, Barcelona granted Rafinha a few days off to travel to Brazil, spend time with his family, and recover from the psychological blow the injury caused, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The paper stated that the Brazilian is fully aware of his rehabilitation program and will return to Barcelona in the coming days to continue treatment under the club's rehabilitation specialists.

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Rafinha's absence is a major blow for head coach Hansi Flick, who will miss one of his key players, as the Brazilian will surely miss the three matches against Atlético Madrid: a league game, a Champions League quarterfinal, the Espanyol derby, and league games against Celta Vigo, Getafe and Osasuna, as well as a potential Champions League semifinal.

The Spanish newspaper noted that if recovery goes as scheduled, Rafinha could return to participate in the Clasico against Real Madrid on May 10 at Camp Nou, a crucial match in the race for the Spanish league title.

Punchline 1: If Rafinha's hamstring files a restraining order against him, will the ball be next?

Punchline 2: Barcelona's calendar is so tight even Rafinha's crutches have a season pass.