Barcelona manager Hansi Flick thought that he would have one of his star forwards available for El Clasico on Sunday. Just over 48 hours ahead of their clash with Real Madrid, fresh doubts have emerged over the fitness of Raphinha.
The Brazilian forward suffered a hamstring injury against Real Oviedo last month, and was expected to be back in action after the international break. After missing games against Girona and Olympiakos, Raphinha returned to full training ahead of the Clasico, seemingly recovered from his injury.
Raphinha absent from training again ahead of El Clasico
On Friday, after two sessions without issues seemingly, Sport report that Raphinha was not in training just two days ahead of their trip to the Bernabeu. It is certainly concerning news for the Blaugrana, who would have hoped that Raphinha could at least come off the bench, with Ferran Torres also coming back from injury and expected to start. His recovery continues without issue, on a more positive note.
Barcelona’s other fitness doubts
The other main concern for Flick comes in the form of Jules Kounde. While SER Catalunya have reported that he is expected to be back in training on Saturday and fit for the Clasico, the Frenchman has missed the last two training sessions as well, with muscle discomfort.
Tomorrow Koundé should train and he should be available for Sunday. @santiovalle
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 24, 2025
Frenkie de Jong has recovered from illness and trained on Friday, but there has been no update on Andreas Christensen, who has not been seen in training since Monday, after suffering his own spell of gastroentiritis.
Barcelona’s options up front
Up front, Lamine Yamal seems on course to start on the right, while Marcus Rashford’s form and fitness makes it likely he will be given a starting spot too. Ferran Torres seems the most likely to go through the middle, and if Raphinha is absent, then it would make up Flick’s mind for him. Outside of that, Barcelona are relatively thin for options, with Roony Bardghji or moving Fermin Lopez forward the only senior alternatives.
