Barcelona are set to be without Raphinha for this weekend’s El Clasico against Real Madrid after the Brazilian winger left training on Friday afternoon with a fresh injury concern. The 28-year-old attacker - one of Hansi Flick’s most important players and a club captain - has been sidelined since late September due to a hamstring injury.
After missing five consecutive matches, Raphinha had returned to full training earlier this week, and it was believed he would be fit to face the league leaders, having been given the green light to feature at the Bernabéu as La Blaugrana look to make it four straight wins over their old rivals.
Marcus Rashford has filled in reasonably well during his absence, but there’s a clear sense that no one quite matches Raphinha’s productivity. The winger contributed to 48 goals in 50 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League last season, cementing his place among the best players in world football right now.
But he has since felt new 'physical issues'. See below:
More to follow...