Rafinha Injury Update: How Long Barça Will Struggle Without Their Brazilian Dynamo
2 February 2026
Rafinha Injury Update
Flick vows not to repeat the same mistake with the Brazilian star.
Barcelona announced that their Brazilian star Rafinha will miss the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Albacete.
The player underwent medical tests upon the team's return to Barcelona, after featuring only the first half of the previous league match against Elche.
In a medical bulletin, the club said Rafinha is suffering from a right adductor strain and will be out for the tie as a precaution, with an expected absence of about a week.
According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, medical estimates indicate Rafinha could also miss Saturday's La Liga match at Real Mallorca.
If Barca progress, Rafinha is expected to be ready for the first leg of the semi-final next week, pending his recovery.
The return will depend on his evolution and rehabilitation, especially since the Brazilian's style relies heavily on physical power.
And coach Hans Flick does not want to repeat the first-round drama, avoiding rushing Rafinha back to prevent prolonging his absence during this crucial stage of the season.
Punchline 1: If injuries were goals, Rafinha would already be top scorer. Punchline 2: Barca's medical staff must be scripting a comeback montage—just add popcorn.
