Raphinha to miss Real Sociedad clash as Barça take no risks with thigh knock
Brazilian winger Raphinha ruled out of Barcelona's upcoming fixture against Real Sociedad due to precautionary measures, while De Jong returns from suspension.
Barcelona will face Real Sociedad without one of their key attackers as Raphinha sits this one out with a thigh problem. The club’s medical team ain’t taking any chances with the Brazilian’s fitness.
Injury Details
The former Leeds United man picked up a knock to his right thigh during Barça’s recent outing at El Sardinero against Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey. Initially listed as doubtful, Hansi Flick has now confirmed the Brazilian won’t be risked for Sunday’s La Liga clash.
Raphinha joins the treatment room alongside long-term absentees Gavi and Christensen, both still nursing serious knee injuries. Bit of a mare for Flick’s squad depth, that.
De Jong Returns
It’s not all doom and gloom for the Blaugrana though. The gaffer will be chuffed to welcome back Frenkie de Jong to the fold after the Dutchman served his one-match suspension.
De Jong missed Thursday’s Copa del Rey fixture after seeing red in Barcelona’s Supercopa de España triumph over Real Madrid. Having sat out his ban, the midfield maestro is now available for selection again.
Full Squad List
Flick has named the following players for the La Liga encounter:
Goalkeepers: Ter Stegen, Joan García, Szczesny
Defenders: Cancelo, Balde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Koundé, Eric García
Midfielders: De Jong, Pedri, Fermín, Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Rashford, Roony
The absence of Raphinha will likely see more minutes for the likes of Yamal and Rashford as Barcelona look to maintain their title challenge against a typically stubborn Real Sociedad side at the Reale Arena.