Raphinha and Ferran return to training with Barça and aim for the Clásico

Hansi Flick welcomed Raphinha back this Wednesday with his sights set on next Sunday's Clásico against Real Madrid (16:15 CEST). The Brazilian has been away from the FC Barcelona squad for three and a half weeks due to a right femoral biceps injury suffered against Oviedo on September 25.

Initially, it was expected that the '11' would be available against Girona, but he was ultimately ruled out for both the Catalan derby and the Champions League match against Olympiacos. In both matches, the Porto Alegre native was in the stands at Montjuïc supporting the team along with the rest of the injured Barça players.

Raphinha returns in time against Real Madrid, his favorite victim in 24/25

Raphinha celebrating a goal against Valencia

Finally, Raphinha returned to work on the pitch at the Tito Vilanova field this Wednesday, looking to be in top physical condition for the Clásico. In 24/25, Rafa was a nightmare for Madrid, scoring 5 goals and 2 assists in 4 matches.

This season, before getting injured, he scored 3 goals (1 against Mallorca, 2 against Valencia) and provided a couple of assists in the League. For Barça, recovering his best form is key, as the 28-year-old winger led the Barça attack with 57 goal involvements (34G/23A). Not in vain, he was the MVP of LaLiga and the top scorer in the Champions League (13).

Understanding that the Brazilian is returning after a month in dry dock, it is very likely that he will be a substitute on Sunday. Marcus Rashford has taken over for him on the left with high marks. The Englishman already has 5 goals and 5 assists in 12 games, leading the Blaugrana offense with 10 direct goal involvements.

Ferran Torres Set to Return to Lineup on Sunday

One player who does have options to return to the lineup against Real Madrid is Ferran Torres. The 'Shark', although he didn't play any minutes, was on the bench against Olympiacos and didn't suffer a specific injury to his left thigh. The '7' remained on the sidelines due to an overload from which he has evolved satisfactorily.

Ferran was in the starting lineup in 7 of the first 8 La Liga matchdays and is the team's top scorer in the tournament with 5 goals. In addition, he provided 3 assists in the last Clásico against Madrid (4-3) and, with Robert Lewandowski out, he is emerging as Barça's '9'.

Toni Fernández and 'Dro' completed the offensive trident against Girona and Olympiacos, while Fermín López regained his place as an attacking midfielder against the Greeks. Along with 'Lewy', Joan García and Dani Olmo are ruled out for Sunday, the latter being the closest to returning after being injured with Spain. Gavi and Ter Stegen, however, are long-term absentees.

Real Madrid's injury situation heading into El Clásico

At Real Madrid, meanwhile, there are four players in the infirmary. Dean Huijsen, like Dani Olmo with Barça, returned from international duty with Spain injured. The center-back remains sidelined due to an injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg, the same leg that Dani Carvajal injured in the derby against Atlético (5-2).

The full-back, however, will be in the infirmary for about 4 weeks, so it is likely that he will not be available against Barça. Huijsen also hopes to be medically discharged on Sunday, but he is unlikely to be in a position to enter the starting XI. Both were left out of the squad against Juventus this Wednesday.

One player who did return for matchday 3 of the Champions League was Ferland Mendy. The left-back hasn't played since April and, like David Alaba, has an endless history of injuries. The Austrian, in fact, relapsed on Sunday against Getafe (injury to the right soleus) and will probably miss the Clásico.

Antonio Rüdiger's absence will be even longer. The German suffers a muscle tear in the rectus anterior of his left leg and will be KO, at least, until early December.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, remains sidelined due to a muscular injury in the biceps femoris of his left leg, which requires a recovery time of 6 to 8 weeks. Therefore, he is a confirmed absence for the Clásico and hopes to return after the November break. Thus, Madrid keeps 5 players in 'capilla', although 2 of them could return against Barça.

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