A key Barcelona attacker is back in training after missing several weeks with injury, delivering a timely boost to the squad.
The news couldn’t come at a better time for Hansi Flick, whose squad was decimated during Tuesday’s 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg loss to Atletico Madrid, missing several stars and now desperate for firepower to salvage the tie and maintain their La Liga lead.
With injuries plaguing creative outlets like Pedri and Lamine Yamal nursing knocks, this timely recovery injects optimism into a dressing room reeling from Metropolitano humiliation.
That superstar is Raphinha, the Brazilian winger whose absence – stemming from a halftime withdrawal against Elche followed by missed games versus Albacete, Mallorca, and Atletico – has cost Barcelona dearly amid a grueling schedule.
Mundo Deportivo reports the 28-year-old joined partial team drills during Thursday’s recovery session at Ciutat Esportiva, marking a swift progression from his initial one-week prognosis.
Initially eyed for a Mallorca cameo, Flick opted for caution given Raphinha’s injury-plagued campaign, where he’s missed over 40% of matches despite 13 goals and 5 assists in 22 outings.
Raphinha’s return timeline aligns perfectly with Monday’s Girona clash, where minutes off the bench could sharpen him for the March 3 Copa return leg.
His dribbling wizardry, set-piece threat, and work rate have been irreplaceable, with backups like Ferran Torres unable to match his output.
Flick’s rotation philosophy thrives on such depth, especially post-Atletico VAR farce and Simeone antics.
For Deco, this eases summer striker hunts post-Lewandowski uncertainty.
Raphinha, once transfer-listed, has silenced critics with a renaissance form, his new deal underscoring commitment.
Teammates buzz with energy – Yamal’s synergy awaits revival. Amid quadruple dreams, Raphinha’s pitch presence reignites belief: Girona becomes a launchpad, Atletico the redemption stage. Barça’s attack awakens.
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