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Barcelona’s camp is buzzing with tension as doubts swirl around the fitness of a key attacker ahead of their season-defining Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid. The Catalan giants, locked in a 4-4 stalemate after a chaotic first leg, face mounting anxiety after their in-form star was notably absent during Sunday’s 4-1 rout of Girona.
While manager Hansi Flick downplayed alarm bells, his cryptic update about the player’s “discomfort” has left fans speculating: Will their talisman recover in time for Wednesday’s do-or-die showdown?
Inside the race to get Barcelona’s star back on track
The mystery man in question is none other than Raphinha, whose explosive 27-goal campaign under Flick has made him indispensable. The Brazilian winger, hailed as a Ballon d’Or dark horse this season, shocked staff by voluntarily sitting out the Girona match. Flick revealed Raphinha approached him pre-game, admitting he lacked the physical sharpness to contribute effectively.
“Raphinha didn’t play due to discomfort,” Flick stated. “He was honest and told me he wasn’t fully fit.”
Sources close to the club clarify that the issue isn’t a specific injury but cumulative fatigue—a consequence of Raphinha’s relentless schedule. After flying back from international duty with Brazil, he missed the Osasuna clash due to UEFA’s 48-hour rest rule, and his self-aware decision to skip the Girona game underscores his strategic focus on the Atletico rematch. To safeguard his recovery, Flick reportedly barred Raphinha from even warming up during Sunday’s match, opting for a targeted rehab regimen instead.
Despite the drama, Barcelona insiders remain bullish. Medical staff express “190% confidence” in Raphinha’s availability, per reports, citing his minor complaints as precautionary rather than chronic. The club’s optimism stems from his irreplaceable role this season: 20 assists to complement his goal tally, coupled with a work rate that’s tormented La Liga defenses.
For Atletico, however, Raphinha’s potential absence—or even diminished fitness—could be a tactical windfall. Diego Simeone’s side thrives on suffocating high-octane attackers, and a less-than-prime Raphinha might ease their defensive burden. But Flick’s gamble to rest his star suggests Barcelona are prioritizing long-term stakes over short-term risks.
As kickoff looms, all eyes are on Camp Nou’s treatment rooms. Will Raphinha’s honesty and Barcelona’s caution pay off, or will fatigue derail their Copa del Rey dreams? One thing’s certain: Wednesday’s battle isn’t just about goals—it’s a test of resilience.
