Simply when optimism had begun to return to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona after a convincing Champions League win, the temper shortly shifted. The crew’s preparations for El Clasico towards Actual Madrid suffered a serious setback, with Raphinha as soon as once more on the heart of concern. The Brazilian winger, who had been recovering from a hamstring harm, seemed near returning in time for the conflict — just for recent doubts to emerge over his health simply days earlier than kickoff.
Following Barcelona’s 6-1 demolition of Olympiakos, Flick and followers alike had cause to smile. The return of Raphinha to full coaching on Wednesday, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, was seen as the proper increase forward of Sunday’s journey to the Bernabeu. His restoration from a proper thigh hamstring harm that had sidelined him for nearly a month was progressing nicely, and early indications recommended he would possibly lastly be cleared to play.
However optimism shortly turned to frustration. Two days earlier than the match, Spanish shops together with Diario Sport and Jijantes FC journalist Gerard Romero reported that the Brazilian left coaching early, earlier than the session had even begun. He had arrived on the Ciutat Esportiva coaching floor however departed earlier than becoming a member of his teammates on the pitch.
“Raphinha was near getting the inexperienced gentle after returning to Barcelona coaching, however he’s now anticipated to overlook Sunday’s El Clasico,” mentioned Romero’s replace. The sudden absence sparked concern among the many teaching employees, with Flick left scrambling to readjust his plans for the season’s largest home fixture.
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Critical setback confirmed
By Friday morning, the worst fears have been confirmed. Raphinha had suffered a relapse of his hamstring harm, forcing Barcelona’s medical crew to rule him out of El Clasico altogether. In accordance with Mario Cortegana and Javi Miguel of Diario AS, assessments revealed that the 28-year-old had aggravated the identical muscle downside that had stored him sidelined for weeks.
“If a relapse of his hamstring harm is confirmed, the winger may very well be out of motion for a further month,” reported AS, noting that Barca might must do with out one in every of their most influential attackers for a run of essential fixtures.
Earlier than the setback, the Brazilian had already missed 5 matches in all competitions, together with the Champions League tie towards PSG. Throughout his absence, the correct flank — an space usually energized by his tempo and creativity — has lacked its common spark.
How lengthy will Raphinha be dominated out for?
Raphinha’s relapse isn’t just a blow for the weekend; it additionally threatens to derail Barcelona’s momentum within the coming weeks. Ought to his absence certainly stretch additional, the winger may miss a number of key fixtures, together with La Liga clashes towards Elche and Celta Vigo and the Champions League group stage assembly with Membership Brugge.
Earlier than his harm, the winger had performed seven matches this season, scoring three objectives and offering two assists, reaffirming his standing as one in every of Barcelona’s most respected attacking belongings. His creativity and depth on the correct flank have been important to Flick’s early tactical plans — and his absence will power a reshuffle that might see Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres sharing extra attacking accountability.
