FC Barcelona faces a major blow as a top star’s absence from El Clasico threatens their plans against Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick’s squad, fresh off a 6-1 Champions League rout of Olympiacos, is boosted by recoveries of Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen from illness, alongside Raphinha and Ferran Torres nearing fitness.
However, a late training update has confirmed a significant absence, compounding Barcelona’s challenges against a Madrid side missing David Alaba and Dean Huijsen, and intensifying the stakes for Marcus Sorg, who leads with Flick suspended.
The player in question is Raphinha, who will miss El Clasico after failing to train fully on Friday, with medical staff deciding against risking his right hamstring injury sustained in late September, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
The Brazilian winger, who completed only part of the session, showed no signs of re-injury but lacks the 100% fitness needed for the high-stakes clash.
Barcelona’s cautious approach prioritizes a full recovery, avoiding a setback that could sideline him longer, especially with his six goals and four assists this season.
Raphinha’s absence is a blow for Barcelona, who planned his bench role to exploit Madrid’s vulnerabilities.
With Lewandowski, Olmo, Gavi, and Ter Stegen out, the attack now leans on Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, and Torres.
Flick, watching from the stands, must trust Sorg’s tactics, with the €380m Spotify deal supporting depth but highlighting Ronald Araujo’s frustrations and defensive lapses against Olympiacos.
Madrid’s issues offer an edge, but Barcelona’s inability to field Raphinha’s pace could blunt their threat against Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé.
The Olympiacos win showcased ruthlessness, but excessive fouls and poor defending remain concerns.
As Barcelona aim to leapfrog Madrid, Raphinha’s confirmed miss underscores their fragility, but youth like Pau Cubarsí and Yamal provide hope.
Sorg’s strategy must compensate, turning a setback into a statement win in a Clasico that could define the season.
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