Barcelona have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
The timing could not be worse for the La Liga leaders, who need every ounce of attacking firepower to penetrate Diego Simeone’s watertight defense in a match pivotal to their treble chase.
Flick’s high-pressing system relies heavily on pace and width from his wide men, making this absence a potential game-changer in the Metropolitano cauldron.
That attacker is Raphinha, Barcelona’s Brazilian star whose 13 goals and double-digit assists this season have lit up Flick’s attack alongside Lamine Yamal.
Reports from journalist Alex Pintanel indicate the 28-year-old suffered an adductor issue during Monday’s session at Ciutat Esportiva, forcing an early exit and sparking fears over his fitness for Wednesday’s clash.
While initial assessments suggest it’s not a lengthy layoff, his status remains touch-and-go, leaving Flick scrambling for solutions.
Midfield boost arrives with Marc Bernal declared fully available after his own minor concerns, allowing the teenager to partner Fermín López and Dani Olmo in a robust engine room.
Pedri’s absence lingers, but Bernal’s energy could offset Raphinha’s potential void. Alternatives like Ferran Torres, though neither matches the ex-Leeds man’s cutting edge in transitions—vital against Atletico’s counter specialists like Julián Álvarez.
Simeone’s men, licking wounds from a league stutter, smell blood in this cup tie. Barcelona’s depth gets tested amid a February pile-up of fixtures, with Raphinha’s xG contribution (0.42 per 90) underscoring his irreplaceability.
A late fitness verdict awaits, but contingency plans—perhaps inverting Yamal or deploying Olmo wide—signal pragmatism over risk in leg one.
Flick’s squad rotation philosophy faces scrutiny; triumph here sustains momentum, but a blunt attack risks early cup exit.
As tension builds, Barcelona’s resilience defines their season.
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