Raphinha ruled out of Barcelona's Champions League trip to Galatasaray

Barcelona will travel to Galatasaray for their second Champions League league-phase match on Tuesday without Raphinha. Hansi Flick confirmed on Friday that the Brazilian forward will miss both Saturday's LaLiga game against Getafe and the trip to Istanbul as a precaution.

A precaution, not a long layoff

Raphinha picked up a right-thigh problem on international duty with Brazil in Australia at the end of September. Tests in Brazil and then at Barcelona ruled out a serious injury, but Flick does not want to take a risk with an area that has troubled the player before.

"The medical tests have detected a problem. It's not a serious injury, but it requires us to act with caution," Flick told reporters, according to Sports Mole. "Last season he suffered several recurrent injuries in the same area, I think there were three, so we must take care of him and avoid any risk."

He added, as quoted by SI: "He is doing well, has no pain and can do everything. He needs a bit more time."

What Barcelona lose

The 29-year-old has started the 2026-27 season with 14 goals and three assists in eight appearances in all competitions, according to Sports Mole, and Barcelona have won all eight of those matches. In the Champions League they opened with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord on 9 September, which leaves them third in the 36-team table on goal difference.

Flick said "the idea" is for Gabriel Jesus to take Raphinha's place. The former Arsenal striker joined late in the summer window and, according to SI, has scored twice in four substitute appearances. "He has improved a lot and adapted to our style and how we want to play," Flick said. "Gabriel has trained really well the last few weeks, and we are very happy with him."

A hard place to go

Galatasaray lost 3-1 at Sporting CP on matchday one and sit 30th with no points, but their home form is strong. SI notes the Turkish champions have lost only one home match in all competitions in the last 11 months, a run that includes games against Atlético Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool.

The absence comes at the start of a demanding stretch. Sports Mole reports that the plan is for Raphinha to return against Real Betis on 17 October, three days before Barcelona visit Paris Saint-Germain on matchday three. SI lists the first Clásico of the season against Real Madrid for 25 October.