Hansi Flick said that Raphinha did not pick up an injury against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night and was merely tired.
Barcelona all but secured their place in the Champions League round of 16 after beating Dortmund 3-2 at Signal Iduna Park thanks to super-sub Ferran Torres.
The club are second in the tournament's table with 15 points from a possible 18, and with just two games left to play in the league phase, it would be surprising if the Spanish giants failed to qualify automatically for the round of 16.
If there was one blot on the night it was that star forward Raphinha was forced off in the 71st minute as a result of what appeared to be a calf injury, but Flick reassured fans that the Brazilian was not injured.
The German boss told reporters that "Raphinha [was] tired, not injured", and the news will no doubt come as a relief to the former Bayern Munich manager considering the attacker has started 22 of Barca's 23 games in La Liga and the Champions League.
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Raphinha's stunning season
The 27-year-old forward has had a remarkable 2024-25 campaign so far, netting 17 goals and producing eight assists for his club already this season.
Much of the forward's success can be attributed to the arrival of Flick, who has implemented an aggressive and energetic system at Barcelona, one that suits Raphinha's own relentless playstyle.
The German manager has also found a near-perfect front three, with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha complementing each other's skillsets.
Lewandowski is still able to occupy defenders in the box to a world-class level, Yamal ensures that there is a constant supply of creativity in the forward line and Raphinha often creates chaos in and around the final third due to his
The Brazilian's first two seasons in Spain saw him produce mixed performances, and some fans had even called for the attacker to be replaced, but it is a credit to the winger that he has managed to turn his fortunes around so drastically.
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Can Barca win the Champions League?
Barcelona have long been restricted by their financial situation, with suggestions that the club may need to offload players in January in order to stay withing La Liga regulations.
However, Flick's side are first in the Spanish top flight and have won five of their six games in the Champions League, and there have been tentative suggestions that Barca could be among the favourites to win Europe's premier competition.
There are some concerns with regard to the age of Flick's squad given the likes of Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Pedri are all 22 years old or younger.
Additionally, Barcelona's use of a high defensive line and intense out of possession approach has at times led to them being exposed during counter-attacks, and Dortmund's second goal on Wednesday was a perfect example of how their high line could be exploited.
However, Flick has made an impressive start to life as Barca boss, and with his experience of winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich, the Spanish giants should at least be taken as a credible threat in the competition.
Lewis Nolan
