barcelona Raphinha will miss the game against Real Sociedad because he is injured. They will face Real Sociedad at La Liga’s San Sebastian Stadium on Sunday, January 18.

Rafinha came on as a substitute in Barcelona’s last game on January 15. He provided an assist in the Copa del Rey last-16 away win over Atlético. However, he is now injured and will miss Sunday’s game.

Barcelona announced on their social media channels:

“First-team player Rafinha missed the game against Real Sociedad as a precaution due to a right thigh injury.”

Rafinha has suffered multiple injuries this season and has only made 18 appearances for the team. He scored 11 goals and provided five assists in these games. On January 11, he scored twice to help Barcelona defeat their rivals. real Madrid 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah.

Rafinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022 but has found incredible form under Hansi Flick since taking charge in 2024. Last season, he scored 34 goals and provided 26 assists in 57 games as Barca won the domestic treble.

Rafinha claims he would have left Barcelona if not for Hansi Flick’s arrival

Rafinha played 50 games in his first season with Barcelona, ​​contributing 10 goals and 12 assists. In his second season, he scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 37 games. The Brazilian has also been linked with a move in the summer of 2024.

However, after speaking with Hansi Flick, who was appointed Barcelona manager that summer, he decided to stay at the club. Rafinha said after the Spanish Super Cup final victory over Real Madrid on January 11 (h/t British Broadcasting Corporation):

“If Flick had not come, I would have left Barcelona. He changed everything. He told me that I would be important. That’s what players need – confidence.”

Meanwhile, the German head coach was full of praise for Raphinha, saying:

“He’s full of energy and affects the whole team. You can see he missed the first chance of the game but in the second he was right there and he scored the first goal and gave the team more confidence. That’s what he brings. Rafa has a lot of intensity on the pitch and we need that.”

Barcelona, ​​meanwhile, sit firmly at the top of the table ahead of their game against Real Sociedad. La Liga Scoreboard. They are one point ahead of Real Madrid, who have played one more game.