Hansi Flick speaks out following Raphinha's injury

Following Barcelona's 3-1 win against Oviedo, coach Hansi Flick addressed concerns by calming supporters after Raphinha exited the match early because of an injury, emphasizing that it is not a major issue.

Barcelona maintained their impressive start to the 2025/26 season by defeating Real Oviedo 3-1, despite trailing in the first half. Goals from Eric Garcia, Robert Lewandowski, and Ronald Araujo secured full points for the Catalan side. However, the joy of victory was tempered by worry as Raphinha had to be substituted early due to injury.

The Brazilian player was taken off in the 65th minute, shortly after Barcelona took the lead at 2-1. This decision initially surprised many fans since Raphinha was active and a key attacking threat on the right wing. Immediately after the match, coach Hansi Flick offered reassurance: “Raphinha felt pain in his leg, so we had to take him off. I believe it’s nothing serious, but we will wait for medical checks tomorrow to be sure.”

This incident quickly drew significant attention because Raphinha is one of Barca’s crucial players this season. His speed on the ball and decisive passes are expected to fill the gap while Ansu Fati is not at peak form and Lamine Yamal still needs time to develop. A long-term injury now could notably impact the team’s attacking depth.

Besides Raphinha’s issue, coach Flick also praised the team’s spirit. He commended Araujo for both solid defense and scoring the winning goal, and praised Frenkie de Jong for helping Barca control the game better after coming on. The German coach also defended goalkeeper Joan Garcia after a mistake led to a goal, stating that individual errors are an inevitable part of the style the club is building.

The win over Oviedo helps Barcelona maintain pressure on Real Madrid in the La Liga standings. However, all focus now shifts to Raphinha’s injury status. If the Brazilian star only has a minor problem, it will be great news for Flick and the culés during the upcoming busy fixture schedule.