Barcelona is just a few inch close to secure their La Liga title for the 2026 season, and in pursuit of that, they have travelled for an away fixture to play against Osasuna on May 2nd. The striker was seen training full-time with the team on Friday morning, although his medical clearance has not arrived, but Barca manager Flick believes that Raphinha will be joining the squad for the game against Osasuna.
With Lamine Yamal, another important striker missing the upcoming matches over injury concerns, it will be a huge boost to witness Raphinha getting back in the squad after his last appearance against Rao Vallecano on 22nd March 2026.
The football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirms Raphinha’s availability via X post too.
🚨 Raphinha, back into
Barcelona matchday squad after five weeks sidelined with injury. pic.twitter.com/QhOXH6kLLu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 2, 2026
Marc Bernal, who also missed matches due to an injury suffered during the game against Atlético Madrid in early April, has also made a comeback to training with Raphinha. His skills in midfield definitely add more depth to the Barca squad. Although Andreas Christensen will still not be available for the season.
“Rapha always gives 100%”, says Barca Manager Hansi Flick at a press conference
Barcelona, already 11 points clear of Real Madrid, sits at the top of the La Liga points table and, with a win over Osasuna and Real Madrid’s loss against Espanyol, can very well clinch their League trophy this weekend for consecutive seasons. Raphinha, Barca’s top performer, was quite missed in the side as Barca faced a defeat in the UCL quarter finals against Atletico Madrid, failing to make a comeback in the second leg. The return of Raphinha made Flick delighted as he expressed how important the Brazilian striker is for the side, and his attitude is important for the team as they inch towards the final race to the title.
“Raphinha is a player who always gives us 100 per cent, in matches and in training,” said Flick. “His mentality and attitude are very important for the team. It is great to have him back.”
Flick confirmed that although Raphinha would be travelling with the team, his participation in the Osasuna will be decided after scrutiny by the medical team and clearance.
The Barca coach also confirmed that Lamine Yamal won’t be returning to play for Barca this season, as he will be recovering from his injury ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June.
“We are in contact [with Yamal]. He’s doing well, the evolution is good. I think we’ll see him at the World Cup. He has time to recover and return. It’s what he wants,” he concluded.
