Barcelona returns to the UEFA Champions League tonight in what seems like a must-win match on the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The Catalan membership, led by Hansi Flick, hosts Olympiacos in a recreation that might outline its European trajectory — but one main absence has caught everybody’s consideration. Raphinha, normally one in every of Barcelona’s most harmful attacking retailers, won’t function on this essential group-stage encounter.
The Blaugrana’s season has been something however easy to this point. A 1-0 victory over Newcastle of their opening European fixture hinted at promise, however a late collapse towards PSG of their second outing left them chasing misplaced floor. The struggles continued domestically with a heavy 4-1 defeat at Sevilla, forcing Flick’s males to regroup earlier than narrowly edging Girona with Ronald Araujo’s last-gasp winner.
For Olympiacos, the image isn’t a lot brighter. Jose Luis Mendilibar’s gamers — nonetheless with no aim on this yr’s competitors — managed solely a goalless draw towards Pafos earlier than falling 2-0 to Arsenal. But, they sit second within the Greek Tremendous League and stay an unpredictable opponent able to exploiting Barca’s latest vulnerabilities.
Barcelona’s margin for error has evaporated. Defeat to PSG in Matchday 2 means the workforce should now safe most factors to keep away from the danger of getting into the playoff stage. Flick is aware of that even with a depleted squad, expectations are sky-high.
Nonetheless, what actually alarmed Barcelona followers was Raphinha’s disappearance from the matchday squad. The Brazilian winger, identified for his tempo and aptitude, had been anticipated to return and attempt to play a decisive position tonight — till information broke simply hours earlier than kickoff.
The explanation behind Raphinha’s absence
Halfway via Monday, Sport confirmed what many had feared: Raphinha has not been cleared by the medical employees and stays in restoration from a thigh damage sustained throughout final month’s win over Actual Oviedo. “Raphinha has not but returned to coaching with the group and continues with particular person restoration work,” the outlet reported, including that he was additionally absent from the ultimate session earlier than the Olympiacos recreation.
Raphael Dias ‘Raphinha’ of FC Barcelona appears on
The membership’s medical workforce had initially hoped the Brazilian might make his return this week, however these plans have been delayed after he skilled discomfort throughout rehabilitation. Based on Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is unwilling to danger him forward of the high-stakes conflict with Actual Madrid this weekend.
The Brazilian’s absence is a blow for Flick, who was relying on his capacity to stretch the protection and create probabilities. With Ferran Torres additionally sidelined as a consequence of the same damage, the supervisor’s attacking choices have turn out to be alarmingly restricted.
