Barcelona will be without Brazilian winger Raphinha for its UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 clash against Galatasaray on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The 29-year-old attacker is sidelined with a right thigh muscle injury sustained during international duty with Brazil.
The absence of Raphinha is a significant setback for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick as the Spanish giants travel to Istanbul for an important Champions League encounter.
Why Is Raphinha Not Playing Against Galatasaray Today?
Raphinha is missing Barcelona’s Champions League match against Galatasaray because of a right hamstring injury.
The Brazilian international suffered the injury during Brazil’s 4–2 international friendly victory over Australia on September 29, 2026.
Raphinha experienced discomfort in his right thigh during the match and was substituted at halftime. Subsequent medical examinations revealed minor muscle swelling, prompting Barcelona’s medical staff to recommend additional recovery time.
Although the injury is not believed to be serious, Barcelona has decided against rushing the winger back into competitive action.
Raphinha also missed Barcelona’s La Liga match against Getafe on October 10.
What Is Raphinha’s Injury?
Raphinha is recovering from a muscle injury affecting his right hamstring.
Barcelona is exercising caution because the Brazilian winger experienced multiple muscle injuries during the previous season.
Manager Hansi Flick and the club’s medical staff want to ensure Raphinha has fully recovered before allowing him to return to competitive football.
The winger has reportedly resumed individual training, which is an encouraging sign for his recovery.
However, he has not been cleared to participate in Tuesday’s Champions League match against Galatasaray.
When Will Raphinha Return for Barcelona?
Barcelona is hopeful that Raphinha could return during the upcoming stretch of important fixtures, including its Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.
Here are Barcelona’s upcoming matches:
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| October 13, 2026 | Galatasaray vs. Barcelona | UEFA Champions League |
| October 17, 2026 | Real Betis vs. Barcelona | La Liga |
| October 20, 2026 | PSG vs. Barcelona | UEFA Champions League |
| October 25, 2026 | Real Madrid vs. Barcelona | La Liga |
The October 20 Champions League match against PSG is a potential return date for Raphinha, although his availability will depend on his recovery and medical clearance.
Barcelona could also take a more conservative approach to ensure the Brazilian is fully fit for the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid.
No definitive return date has been confirmed.
Who Will Replace Raphinha Against Galatasaray?
With Raphinha unavailable, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick must adjust his attacking lineup.
The Brazilian’s absence removes one of Barcelona’s most important attacking options, particularly because of his pace, creativity, pressing ability and goal-scoring threat.
Flick could reorganize his attacking formation or turn to other available wide players to compensate for Raphinha’s absence.
Barcelona will need its remaining attacking players to step up against a Galatasaray side looking to make an impact in the Champions League.
Barcelona vs. Galatasaray: Date, Time and Match Information
Here are the details for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter:
- Match: Galatasaray vs. FC Barcelona
- Competition: 2026–27 UEFA Champions League
- Matchday: 2
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey
- Raphinha Status: Out (right hamstring injury)
The match is part of the Champions League league phase, with both clubs competing for valuable points.
Which Other Barcelona Players Are Missing Against Galatasaray?
Raphinha is not the only Barcelona player unavailable for the Champions League encounter.
Barcelona’s squad announcement also lists several other absentees, including:
- Raphinha: Right hamstring injury
- Frenkie de Jong: Unavailable
- Andreas Christensen: Unavailable
- Roony Bardghji: Unavailable
These absences present additional selection challenges for Hansi Flick as Barcelona prepares to face Galatasaray.
How Important Is Raphinha to Barcelona?
Raphinha has established himself as an important component of Barcelona’s attacking system.
The Brazilian winger provides versatility across the attacking positions and contributes through his movement, passing, pressing and ability to create scoring opportunities.
His absence could affect Barcelona’s attacking rhythm, particularly in a difficult European away fixture.
With several major matches approaching, Barcelona will prioritize having Raphinha fully fit rather than risk a longer absence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raphinha playing today against Galatasaray?
No. Raphinha is unavailable for Barcelona’s Champions League Matchday 2 match against Galatasaray on October 13, 2026, because of a right hamstring injury.
Why is Raphinha not in Barcelona’s squad?
Raphinha was excluded from Barcelona’s traveling squad because he is still recovering from a muscle injury sustained while playing for Brazil during the September international break.
How long will Raphinha be out?
Barcelona has not confirmed an exact return date. The club is monitoring his recovery, with the October 20 Champions League match against PSG emerging as a potential opportunity for his return.
Will Raphinha play against PSG?
Raphinha could return against Paris Saint-Germain on October 20, but his participation has not been confirmed.
Will Raphinha play against Real Madrid?
Barcelona hopes to have Raphinha available for El Clásico against Real Madrid on October 25. His participation will depend on his recovery.
Final Thoughts
Raphinha will miss Barcelona’s Champions League Matchday 2 clash against Galatasaray on October 13, 2026, because of a right hamstring injury suffered during international duty with Brazil.
Although the injury is not considered serious, Barcelona is taking a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the problem.
With crucial Champions League and La Liga fixtures approaching, including matches against PSG and Real Madrid, Barcelona will be hoping to welcome the Brazilian winger back as soon as he receives medical clearance.
For now, Hansi Flick must find a way to secure a positive result against Galatasaray without one of his key attacking players.
Follow The Sports Cast for the latest Barcelona injury updates, Champions League news, match previews and player availability reports.