Rampant Raphinha to miss Barcelona's next matches

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Raphinha withdrew from the Selecao's squad during the international break, having been substituted at half-time in a 4-2 win over Australia.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said the winger had sustained "a small muscle edema in the posterior region of the right thigh", which represented a potential blow to Barca after he scored a remarkable 14 goals in its opening eight matches of 2026-2027, across all competitions.

The Blaugrana, who have won their first seven games to set the pace at the top of LaLiga, welcome Getafe to Camp Nou on Sunday (AEDT) before travelling to Istanbul for their second UEFA Champions League game of the season, and will let their captain sit out those matches as he recovers.

"It is not a major injury, but it is something that must be taken into account because he had many injuries," Flick said of Raphinha.

"We have to take care of him. He will not be available [against Getafe] or against Galatasaray."

Flick was then asked if he had any complaints about the way Brazil managed Raphinha's fitness, but he said it was not worth worrying about factors Barca cannot control.

"It's the national team, and everyone wants to play for their national team. It's their mentality, and we can't change the calendar," he said.

"He always gives 100 per cent. You question whether it was necessary to play in Australia, 30,000 kilometres away ... but then you would have to choose friendlies in Europe, and with the [UEFA] Nations League, it is not possible.

"There is a lot of pressure on the players. You have to accept the situation as it is; it's not the best, it's not ideal, but I can't change it. I have to manage the load of minutes.

"I like it when I see the Spanish national team in performance, the distribution of minutes.

"The relationship is very good. Spain is the best team in the world; I like to see them play."

Meanwhile, Barca has handed teenage left-back Xavi Espart a new contract to run until 2030, and Flick was delighted to see another graduate of La Masia rewarded.

"For each position we have many players. Everyone must be at the best level, or we will make substitutions. They know it. I like this situation," the Barca boss added.

"It's fantastic to have this kind of player coming from La Masia. It's incredible."

Getafe is 11th on the table going into the game with eight points on the board, having beaten Malaga 1-0 in its final match before the international window.