Raphinha expected to sit out Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final following Brazil injury

Raphinha sustained an injury in Brazil's 2-1 friendly loss to France in the United States on Thursday.

The Brazilian Football Confederation stated that Raphinha and Roma defender Wesley both experienced discomfort in their right hamstrings during the game against France.

On Friday, assessments on the players verified muscular problems, the CBF noted.

Barcelona issued a statement detailing the duration of Raphinha's recovery period.

The player will head back to Barcelona to start the necessary care. Recovery is projected to take around five weeks, Barcelona announced.

Raphinha plays a vital role for the Catalan club, which faces a challenge without him in both fixtures against Diego Simeone's Atletico, first at home on April 8 and then away on April 14.

The 29-year-old has netted 19 goals this season for Barca and will also be absent for La Liga encounters with Atletico, Espanyol, Celta Vigo, and Getafe.

Barca aims for Raphinha to recover in time for the Clasico versus Real Madrid on May 10, or a possible Champions League semi-final against Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon on April 29.

He ought to be ready for Brazil in the World Cup, starting in Canada, Mexico, and the United States on June 11.