La Liga giants Barcelona will be forced to make do without the contributions of star attacker Raphinha for the club’s next four outings in all competitions.
This comes after the Brazilian suffered a relapse of his hamstring injury.
Wide-man Raphinha was for his part dealt a fresh blow on Friday.
Closing on a return to the pitch following a spell on the sidelines with a muscular problem, the former Leeds United man was forced to sit out training at the Ciutat Esportiva.
Just 48 hours out from Barcelona’s clash with arch rivals Real Madrid, Raphinha in turn saw his participation ruled out.
It had since been somewhat unclear just how long the 28-year-old was likely to miss as a result of his latest issue.
But as alluded to above, on Saturday, an insight into as much has been forthcoming.
The info comes by way of Blaugrana insider Javier Miguel of Diario AS, who has confirmed that Raphinha is not expected to return until the far side of the November international break.
Such an absence would mean the winger missing fixtures against all of Real Madrid, Elche, Club Brugge and Celta Vigo.
Conor Laird – GSFN
