Raphinha gets another chance for Barcelona with Dembélé out

Last year, after a season without titles following the exit of Lionel Messi, Barcelona took the risky decision of selling off a part of its future earnings in exchange for quick cash it could turn into talented signings.

The group of newcomers who arrived at Camp Nou included two players — Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha — tasked with bringing back the punch to an attack that was lackluster following the departure Messi.

Lewandowski did not disappoint. The former Bayern Munich striker assumed the role of a team leader and has not stopped chewing up opposing defenses in the Spanish league.

Raphinha, however, soon became a second option for Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, who favored having Ousmane Dembélé as a right winger to accompany Lewandowski.

But a door opened for the Brazil international last week when Dembélé injured a muscle in his left thigh just when he was enjoying his best campaign at Barcelona.

Raphinha