Barcelona star suffers injury relapse – extended absence confirmed

Barcelona were dealt very bad injury news on the cusp of El Clasico, with it being confirmed that Raphinha will not play against Real Madrid. The Brazil international had been in line to travel with his teammates to the Santiago Bernabeu, but during Thursday’s training session, he suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury that has kept him out of action for the last four weeks.

Raphinha’s absence has been felt by Barcelona, and unfortunately for Hansi Flick, it appears that he will have to do without the talismanic winger for even longer than planned. As per Diario AS, it is a relapse of the injury he suffered against Real Oviedo, which means that he will be out for at least another three weeks.

It means that Raphinha will not play for Barcelona until after the November international break. As well as Sunday’s trip to Real Madrid, he will also miss out against Elche, Club Brugge and Celta Vigo, although he should be back to face Athletic Club, which could be the club’s first match back at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Flick selection headache continues with Raphinha absence

Raphinha’s extended absence means that Marcus Rashford will continue as the undisputed starter on the left wing for another few weeks, although he has been utilised as a striker of late due to further injuries to Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. The latter is back now, but it means that Hansi Flick is short of options in attacking positions until after the next international break, when the Polish striker is also expected to make his return.