A key Barcelona winger suffers a fresh injury scare and is now a major doubt for the upcoming La Liga clash against Real Sociedad.
Barcelona star, riding high on 11 straight victories and Super Cup glory over Real Madrid, missed Friday’s final training session at Ciutat Esportiva, raising doubts over his availability for Hansi Flick’s leaders.
With Gavi and Andreas Christensen already sidelined, the absence compounds squad management challenges during a relentless schedule.
That star is Raphinha, whose physical toll from recent high-intensity outings—carrying knocks through key matches—forced individual gym work instead of pitch drills.
The 28-year-old, Barcelona’s top scorer this season, sat out the Copa del Rey win over Racing Santander as a precaution, but Friday’s discomfort has sparked concern.
Diario Sport reports he arrived at training yet skipped collective sessions, with Flick set to clarify his status during Saturday’s press conference before Sunday’s Anoeta trip.
Raphinha’s form has been pivotal in Barça’s table-topping run, blending goals, assists, and pressing that define Flick’s system.
His potential absence tests depth against a Real Sociedad side desperate for points, especially as Lamine Yamal and others rotate.
Barcelona hope it’s minor, with the intention still to travel him, though starting remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, fellow absentee Dro Fernández—bound for PSG after triggering his €6m clause—also skipped sessions amid his exit drama, while Marc-André ter Stegen trained normally despite his impending Girona loan.
Flick called up youth prospects Lorenzo Oertli and Pol Bernabeu to complete numbers, underscoring reliance on squad versatility.
Raphinha’s individual recovery plan prioritises caution, vital with the Champions League looming.
If cleared, he could feature from the bench; if not, Fermín López or others step up.
The winger’s resilience has defined Barcelona’s surge, but this latest niggle highlights the injury tightrope in title pursuits.
Flick’s near-full squad gives options, yet Raphinha’s fitness will shape the Basque Country battle.
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