Daijiworld Media Network - Barcelona

Barcelona, Mar 28: Spanish giants FC Barcelona will be without key winger Raphinha for their upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Atletico Madrid in April after he was diagnosed with a hamstring injury.

The Brazilian international sustained the injury during Brazil national football team’s 2-1 friendly defeat to France national football team in the United States on Thursday. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that both Raphinha and Roma full-back Wesley França experienced pain in their right hamstrings during the match, with subsequent tests revealing muscular injuries.

Barcelona, in an official statement, said the player would return to Spain to begin treatment, with an estimated recovery period of five weeks.

The 29-year-old forward, who has been in impressive form with 19 goals this season, will miss both legs of the quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, scheduled for April 8 and April 14. He is also set to be unavailable for key La Liga fixtures against Atletico, Espanyol, Celta Vigo and Getafe.

Barcelona will be hoping for his return ahead of the crucial El Clasico clash against Real Madrid on May 10, as well as a potential Champions League semi-final.

Raphinha is also expected to recover in time to represent Brazil at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11 across Canada, Mexico and the United States.