Raphinha trains solo as Copa clash with Atleti looms
Brazilian winger misses group training ahead of crucial Copa del Rey quarter-final, continuing a worrying pattern of fitness issues this season
Barcelona’s injury woes continue as Raphinha was forced to train separately from the main squad on Tuesday, putting his availability for Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against Atlético Madrid in serious doubt.
Recovery timeline slipping
The Brazilian international was originally expected to participate in at least part of Tuesday’s group session with an eye toward making the trip to Madrid. Instead, he was limited to individual work as he continues his recovery from an adductor overload in his right leg.
The club initially projected a one-week recovery period when they announced the injury on February 2nd - a timeline that technically expired on Monday. However, with Wednesday being the final training session before the cup quarter-final at the Metropolitano, his chances of featuring look increasingly slim.
Pattern of problems
This latest setback continues a frustrating pattern for the former Leeds man, who has already missed Barcelona’s previous Copa del Rey match against Albacete and the recent La Liga fixture against Mallorca.
What’s particularly concerning is that manager Hansi Flick publicly addressed Raphinha’s injury record last week, expressing frustration about the Brazilian’s numerous fitness issues this season. The German gaffer suggested the club might need to:
- Modify Raphinha’s training regime
- Adjust personal aspects of his preparation
- Find solutions to prevent prolonged absences
The situation has left Barcelona in a proper two and eight ahead of a crucial cup tie, with the medical staff likely to exercise caution rather than risk aggravating the problem.
Mounting absences
Raphinha’s potential absence compounds Barcelona’s injury crisis. The Catalans are already without:
- Gavi (long-term knee injury)
- Christensen (Achilles issues)
- Pedri (muscular problems)
Frenkie de Jong is another worry after missing the Mallorca match with pubis discomfort, though he was named on the bench.
With Monday’s league fixture at Girona on the horizon, the coaching staff might prefer to target that match for Raphinha’s return rather than rushing him back for Thursday’s cup showdown.