Mundo Deportivo has offered a report on Raphinha and why he was not able to start in Barcelona’s previous La Liga game against Cadiz, days before they were kicked out of the UEFA Europa League by Manchester United,
The report suggests Raphinha was furious after being taken off in the 82nd minute during the first-leg match against Manchester United. The two teams were drawing 2-2 at the time, with Raphinha himself scoring the all-important equaliser.
But his substitution angered the Brazilian international, who stormed off to the sidelines and kicked a fridge while also punching one of the seats. His actions, including the kicking of the fridge, led to a sore knee.
And, as a result, the forward could not start in the following league game against Cadiz, with Xavi opting for Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati on the flanks to support Robert Lewandowski.
Raphinha starting on the bench against Cadiz was initially thought to be a move from Xavi to give the Brazilian a little breather ahead of the second leg against Manchester United.
While that was partly a reason as well, Raphinha’s actions against Man United in the first leg also led to his omission from the starting eleven.
However, the former Leeds United start did start in the second leg against Manchester United this past midweek. But it did not turn out to be useful for Barcelona as the attacker was relatively quiet throughout the game.
Although his performance improved in the second half, Raphinha simply did not make the desired impact and was taken off in the 77th minute. He was replaced by Fati.