Speculation continues to swirl within FC Barcelona regarding the availability of Brazilian forward Raphinha for the upcoming crucial clash. The team is set to face Atlético Madrid this coming Thursday in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, and uncertainty clouds the winger’s participation.
The concern stems from his recent absence, having missed Barcelona’s cup fixture against Albacete and subsequently the latest league encounter with RCD Mallorca. Compounding the apprehension, Raphinha was notably absent from the squad’s recovery session on Sunday, adhering strictly to medical directives.
Day-by-Day Assessment for a Key Player
When questioned about his physical condition by journalists on Monday evening, the player’s remarks, as reported by the Catalan newspaper “Sport”, did little to dispel the doubts. “I am better, but not completely,” he stated, offering a candid yet inconclusive update on his status.
Elaborating further, he outlined a cautious approach, indicating that his recovery would be monitored on a daily basis. “We will follow my situation day by day. There are options to be ready for Thursday, but I don’t know yet,” Raphinha explained. “If I am well, I will play, but we will wait.” This ambiguity places the decision squarely in the hands of the medical and coaching staff in the coming days.
Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, finds himself in a delicate position, intensely desiring to field his influential attacker for the high-stakes derby while simultaneously wary of risking a setback. Flick’s profound frustration was already evident following the 3-0 victory over Mallorca, where he expressed clear discontent over losing his key player to injury once more this season.
The German tactician’s dilemma is palpable: balancing the immediate need for Raphinha’s creativity and goal threat in a pivotal cup tie against the long-term necessity of ensuring the player’s full fitness, thereby avoiding a potentially prolonged absence.