Raphinha Deserves Rest Amidst Grueling Season Under Flick
Barcelona's Brazilian star, Raphinha, has been a constant presence this season, accumulating significant playing time for both club and country. Manager Hansi Flick faces a decision on whether to rest him in the upcoming match against Leganés to prevent potential fatigue-related injuries.
Raphinha, the dynamic Brazilian winger for Barcelona, has been instrumental in the team's performances this season. Following the recent match against Borussia Dortmund, where he experienced muscle cramps, there is growing consideration for him to be included in the rotation and possibly start on the bench in the upcoming fixture against Leganés. To date, Raphinha has accumulated 2,232 minutes of play for both Barcelona and the Brazilian national team, indicating a substantial workload that may necessitate managed rest to mitigate injury risks.
Barcelona has been promoting ticket sales for the Leganés match using Raphinha's image, underscoring his status as a fan favorite. His exceptional form, alongside teammate Lamine Yamal, has made their matches highly anticipated events. Raphinha's contributions have been pivotal, consistently enhancing his statistics and solidifying his role as a key player under Hansi Flick's management.
Despite his impressive performances, Raphinha is not immune to fatigue. In the Dortmund match, he was substituted in the 71st minute due to exhaustion, with the club later confirming muscle cramps. He resumed training without issues, but the incident highlighted the physical demands placed upon him. Manager Flick acknowledged, 'There is no injury, just fatigue.'
Throughout the season, Raphinha has logged 1,409 minutes across 17 league matches, rarely completing full games. In the Champions League, he has played 475 minutes over six matches, being substituted in three. Including national team duties, his total playing time reaches 2,232 minutes. Prior to the match against Real Betis, Flick intended to rest him, but Raphinha expressed a strong desire to play. With an upcoming high-stakes match against Atlético Madrid, a team in formidable form, strategic rest against Leganés could be prudent.
Flick faces the challenge of balancing Raphinha's desire to play with the necessity of preserving his fitness. Raphinha's recent performance against Dortmund, where he scored his sixth Champions League goal, showcased his offensive prowess. He is now just one goal behind teammate Robert Lewandowski in the competition and has also provided two assists. His overall season tally stands at 17 goals and 10 assists in 23 appearances, reflecting his significant impact.
Allowing Raphinha to rest against Leganés would be a well-deserved reward, ensuring he remains in peak condition for the challenges ahead.