Raphinha: In-form Barcelona forward has new injury concerns

Raphinha has made a phenomenal start to the season for Barcelona, cementing his status as one of Europe's most formidable attackers.

The 29-year-old has scored 14 times and provided three assists as the Spanish champions have racked up eight successive wins in all competitions.

His performances have been so impressive that his omission from the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist prompted debate, with some arguing his form warranted greater recognition among the game's elite.

Yet, just as Raphinha appeared ready to take his game to another level, injury concerns have interrupted his momentum and he looks set to miss Barcelona's next two fixtures.

Facing a demanding run of fixtures, including meetings with Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid this month in the Champions League and La Liga, keeping the Brazilian fit could prove just as important as making the most of his remarkable goalscoring form.

'Was it necessary for him to play in Australia?'

Raphinha withdrew from international duty with a right thigh injury after he was substituted at half-time in Brazil's match against Australia.

"The tests show something," Barcelona boss Hansi Flick told the media.

"It's not a serious injury, but we have to be careful because he had three injuries last year, and we have to take care of him."

Flick defended Raphinha's decision to want to play for Brazil.

"It's the national team and everyone wants to play for their national team," he said. "That's Raphinha's mentality. Always give 100%."

Although the setback does not appear to be major, the timing has not been ideal.

"We must reflect on whether it was necessary for him to play in Australia, travelling so many thousands of kilometres," added Flick. "It's incredible. They have to choose friendly matches and in Europe it is not possible because of the Nations League."

With tough tests to come, Flick will want all his leading attackers available and hope even a short spell on the sidelines won't disrupt Raphinha's rhythm.

The situation has also presented Flick with a familiar dilemma. At the start of the season, there were concerns Barcelona had no established number nine after veteran Poland striker Robert Lewandowski left the club.

Raphinha has mainly been playing as a false nine this season, rather than his usual role on the wing and the team have looked unstoppable.

They sit top of La Liga, five points clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, with Real Madrid a point further back in fourth place, and thrashed Feyenoord 5-1 in their Champions League opener. With 36 goals scored and eight conceded, they've been dominant at both ends of the pitch.

For now, fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus - a deadline-day arrival from Arsenal in September - is likely to cover Raphinha's absence for the next two matches against Getafe on Saturday and then the European trip to Galatasaray.

Flick, though, has huge depth in his Barcelona squad, and Anthony Gordon, Dani Olmo and Karim Adeyemi could all play as a false nine if necessary.

Raphinha's numbers tell an impressive story, but his contribution to Barcelona extends beyond the stats.

He is the team captain and has become a central figure in their aggressive, high-intensity approach, combining direct attacking play with relentless pressing and a willingness to work for the team.

His finishing has become a defining feature of his game. Rather than relying on creating chances for others, Raphinha has developed into a consistent source of goals himself and Barcelona's performances so far have reflected that influence.

The former Leeds United player has been a key factor in why Flick's side have looked so threatening in the final third and could equal the 2013-14 record for the best start to a La Liga season if they beat Getafe for an eighth straight league win.

Raphinha, though, will be determined to avoid a repeat of last season, which demonstrated how quickly fitness problems can complicate the club's plans and ambition.

He was restricted to 33 appearances, with recurring fitness issues and a hamstring injury contributing to his absences.

Raphinha played seven times in the Champions League but, crucially, was missing as his side went out in the quarter-finals with defeat by Atletico Madrid.

His tally of 21 goals helped deliver the league title and he scored twice in a standout performance in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid.

Given his importance, the temptation for Flick to rush Raphinha back will be understandable and Barca will hope this is a brief interruption rather than the beginning of another frustrating injury cycle.