FC Barcelona secured an impressive 3–1 win at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere a couple of months ago, but it came at a cost. After the game, the club confirmed injuries to two important first-team players: Joan Garcia and Raphinha.
Coincidentally, both players have been in recovery since and are finally nearing a return to action. According to [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20251120/1002572193/raphinha-joan-garcia-vuelta-dos-meses.html), the duo have been taking part in training sessions with the group over the past couple of days.
Barcelona prepare to face Athletic Club in La Liga at the Spotify Camp Nou. A return to their permanent home is the talking point ahead of the game against the Basque opponents, but perhaps even more importantly, Raphinha and Joan are back.
The former was initially expected to be out for around a month and even attempted to return to training ahead of El Clásico. However, he suffered a relapse, and it has taken him another month to return to action.
Joan, on the other hand, had to undergo minor surgery. [Everything points to the goalkeeper being ready to take his place between the sticks on Saturday](https://semprebarca.com/injured-barcelona-star-expected-to-return-and-start-against-athletic-club-report/), while Hansi Flick is likely to err on the side of caution with Raphinha.
The Brazilian could get some minutes off the bench in a bid to be completely ready for the game against Chelsea. The Champions League encounter at Stamford Bridge just days later is of paramount importance, and we will have to wait and see how things play out.