Raphinha’s Injury: Has The Brazilian Winger’s Injury Derailed Barcelona’s Title Bid?

Barcelona’s title ambitions have hit a sudden, potentially decisive snag: Raphinha’s injury. The Brazilian winger’s absence has coincided with a sharp dip in form that has seen the Catalans lose two of their last five La Liga fixtures and crash 4-0 to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. With Real Madrid now two points clear at the summit, the timing could hardly be worse.

Since Raphinha was sidelined, Barça have mustered just one goal in two matches—a header from 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi against Girona. The blunt edge was underscored when teenage prodigy Yamal, usually so reliable, missed a penalty in the same game. Yamal’s seasonal tally stands at 15 goals from 32 appearances, a return the club acknowledges as “average by his standards.”

Robert Lewandowski’s numbers have also dipped; the Polish striker has 13 goals in 30 matches, a rate below 0.5 per game and well short of his customary productivity. Summer recruits Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo have contributed a combined 17 goals, further highlighting how heavily the attack has leaned on Raphinha’s creativity and incision.

What makes the loss more acute is the 29-year-old’s positional versatility. Although listed as a winger, Raphinha has frequently been deployed in midfield this season, acting as the link between possession phases and final-third penetration. In his 167 Barcelona appearances he has delivered 67 goals—an output that underlines his status as the team’s most potent weapon.

The calendar offers little respite. After this weekend’s visit to Levante—where Raphinha could make his return—Barça host Villarreal before travelling to Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla within the space of a month. Sandwiched between those league tests is the unenviable task of overturning a 4-0 deficit against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey return leg. Hansi Flick’s side must find attacking solutions, and quickly, if the club’s trophy hunt is to stay alive.

Supporters have made their wishes clear: they want the Brazilian back on the pitch. Medical staff are optimistic he could be available against Levante, a potential boost not only in terms of goals and assists but also leadership and front-line cohesion.

With the title race poised for a photo finish and silverware still within reach, Barcelona’s season may hinge on how swiftly Raphinha can rejoin the fray. His return could reignite an attack that, for the moment, has run out of ideas.