The temper at Barcelona has shifted dramatically within the build-up to this weekend’s El Clasico. What was shaping as much as be a decisive conflict between Hansi Flick’s males and Actual Madrid has now was a check of resilience, because the Catalan large faces one more setback — and it’s not simply Robert Lewandowski’s absence that’s troubling the coach.
The harm disaster that started weeks in the past reveals no indicators of easing. Simply as Barcelona gave the impression to be getting gamers again from the remedy room, one other key determine has been dominated out on the eve of probably the most anticipated fixture of the Spanish soccer calendar.
Rising record of absentees
For Flick, this newest blow couldn’t have come at a worse time. The German tactician has already been pressured to navigate a demanding schedule with out Lewandowski, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Dani Olmo, and Gavi. Now, on the eve of the journey to the Santiago Bernabeu, one other star has joined that undesirable record — a participant the German supervisor had been relying on to inject tempo, creativity, and management into the assault.
In keeping with experiences from Jijantes FC journalist Gerard Romero, Barcelona’s influential winger Raphinha has been dominated out of El Clasico after struggling a relapse in coaching. The 28-year-old had missed 5 consecutive matches as a consequence of a hamstring harm sustained in late September in opposition to Actual Oviedo. He had returned to partial coaching earlier this week and was anticipated to be declared match for Sunday’s showdown, however occasions on Friday morning instructed a special story.
The winger reportedly arrived on the Ciutat Esportiva solely to depart earlier than the crew’s coaching session started, an indication that his restoration had hit a snag. Sources near the membership later confirmed that he had skilled recent discomfort and would not be included within the squad to face Actual Madrid.
“He began feeling unwell on Thursday and was unable to finish the session,” reported Jijantes FC. “This morning, he didn’t prepare with the group, and after medical consultations, he has been dominated out of El Clasico.”
Setback and concern for Barcelona
The event is a crushing one for Barcelona, given the winger’s spectacular begin to the season, which included three targets and two assists in his first seven appearances throughout all competitions. Earlier than his harm, he was one of many aspect’s most dependable performers and had been anticipated to play a significant position in opposition to Actual Madrid. As Diario AS notes, “If a relapse of the hamstring harm is confirmed, he could possibly be out for one more month — lacking key fixtures in opposition to Elche, Membership Brugge, and Celta Vigo.”
Raphinha and Hansi Flick
Such an absence could be a tactical headache for Flick, who has already been experimenting with makeshift line-ups to compensate for lacking personnel. With out the Brazilian’s dynamism on the fitting flank, the Blaugrana could as soon as once more have to show to Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, or Ferran Torres to supply the attacking spark.
Flick, serving a touchline ban following his crimson card in opposition to Girona final weekend, must orchestrate his technique from the stands — one other unwelcome twist in what has turn into a testing week for the German supervisor.
