27 February 2023 , 06:42
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Barcelona forward Raphinha has been struggling with an injury after kicking a fridge in anger during the Europa League play-off clash against Manchester United earlier this month.
Raphinha, 26, played a pivotal role for Barcelona in the opening leg of the tie by bagging a goal and an assist at the Nou Camp. But the Brazilian was visibly frustrated when he was withdrawn by Xavi Hernandez in the 82nd minute.
The former Leeds man lashed out after coming off - and it appears as though he's been paying the price for his act of petulance. There had been speculation that Raphinha had been dropped by Xavi for the game against Cadiz a few days later because of his behaviour. However, it has now emerged that Raphinha's absence from the starting XI was injury-related.
Mundo Deportivo have outlined how Raphinha was left with a sore knee after lashing out in anger towards the end of Barcelona's enthralling draw with Manchester United. And it was that issue, rather than anything more sinister, which led to Raphinha starting the following match on the bench.
Raphinha was passed fit and restored to the starting line-up for the return leg at Old Trafford last week but was ineffective as Barcelona were dumped out of Europe after throwing away an early lead.
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And the versatile forward was back on the bench and only featured as a second-half substitute during Barcelona's surprise 1-0 defeat against Almeria in LaLiga on Sunday night.
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Raphinha celebrates after scoring against Manchester United (Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images)There is no long-term issue, though, as Xavi revealed that Raphinha had apologised to him and his team-mates after his tantrum against Manchester United. He said: "I understand Raphinha's anger. He has apologised to me, but he doesn't have to. I always ask my players for ambition and he has been [ambitious]. It also bothered me when they replaced me."
Raphinha has been a regular since moving to Barcelona from Leeds in the summer, but that didn't prevent speculation linking him with a return to the Premier League in the winter transfer window.
Arsenal are known to be avid admirers of the winger and made attempts to lure him to the Emirates before his dream move to the Nou Camp materialised after weeks of negotiations.
The Gunners were in need of attacking reinforcements in January, and it's claimed by Spanish outlet Sport that they rekindled their interest in Raphinha. The report outlines that Arsenal lodged a €70 million (£61.7m) proposal for the forward's services, but Barcelona rebuffed the approach as they believe Raphinha, who has clocked up 16 goal contributions this term, has a big future at the club.