Barcelona Receive Raphinha Injury Boost Ahead of Getafe Clash

Barcelona have had good news on Raphinha, who has been cleared to play in their next La Liga game against Getafe after an injury scare on international duty, Mundo Deportivo reports.

The Brazil winger was taken off with a thigh problem in last Tuesday's 4-2 friendly win over Australia in Brisbane. He had already scored from the penalty spot in that game. After a long 20-hour trip home from Melbourne via Dubai, he went to the club's training ground for tests on the swelling found in his leg. The results showed no structural damage and no significant muscle tear, so he avoids a long spell out.

Raphinha will not travel with Brazil for Saturday's friendly against India in Calcutta. That lets him focus on his recovery at the club. Barcelona have not released a medical statement, which is their usual practice when no specific injury or tear is found. He spent about 90 minutes at the training base on Friday morning, then left in his own car. He should be available for selection, but the medical staff will keep a close eye on him when the squad returns to training on Monday.

His fitness matters a lot. Hansi Flick's side top La Liga with a perfect 21 points from seven games. That is five points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid and six ahead of fourth-placed Real Madrid. Raphinha leads the league scoring charts with 12 goals, and he has 14 goals and three assists in all competitions this season.

October is packed for Barcelona. After Getafe, they face Galatasaray in Europe and Real Betis in the league. Later in the month comes a big Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, then the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid on October 25.