FC Barcelona have a crunch La Liga match awaiting them this Sunday as they take on their main rivals for the league title and their heated arch-rivals, Real Madrid. The Blaugranes will be going into this match in very high spirits, as they won all the El Clásicos last season and also won their last game against Olympiacos with a 6-1 scoreline.
However, Hansi Flick will have to contend with the absence of several key players. The likes of Joan Garcia, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and Dani Olmo remain sidelined through injury, and now Raphinha has also been ruled out of the much-anticipated clash.
Raphinha, who rejoined group training earlier this week and was expected to receive medical clearance ahead of El Clásico, was unable to complete Friday’s session due to discomfort in his right thigh. After further evaluations, the medical staff ruled him out of Sunday’s game.
Although his absence is a setback for Hansi Flick’s team, as per MARCA, it has been confirmed that Raphinha has not suffered a relapse.
The 28-year-old forward is recovering from an injury to the middle section of his right hamstring, sustained on September 26.
Raphinha has appeared in seven matches this season for Barcelona, including six in La Liga and one in the Champions League, contributing three goals and two assists. Although his absence is a setback, there is optimism within the club that he will return to action soon.