Raphinha, a doubt for Barcelona against Real Sociedad

FC Barcelona could lose a key player this Sunday on their visit to Real Sociedad at Anoeta (21:00). Raphinha, who was a substitute last Thursday on the visit to Racing de Santander (0-2), left Cantabria with discomfort due to a knock that prevented him from training normally on Saturday in the session prior to the duel against the San Sebastián team.

Raphinha worked out alone in the gym while the squad prepared for the match against Real, making him a last-minute doubt for matchday 20 of LaLiga. In principle, the Brazilian would once again be a substitute, something that hasn't happened since the visit to Betis (3-5) on matchday 15.

In that match, the '11' didn't even come on in the second half, given the comfortable lead Barça had secured before halftime (1-4). Against Racing, in the Copa del Rey round of 16, the plan was to keep the Brazilian on the bench, but the Catalans only managed to open the scoring in the 66th minute, just before Rapha came on along with Pedri and Lewandowski.

In total, the Porto Alegre player has **11 goals and 5 assists in 18 games (1,124 minutes)** this season. Raphinha missed 9 games due to injury between October and November, so the coaching staff will not take any risks this Sunday at Anoeta.

Flick could rest Raphinha at Anoeta

"**Yes, he has problems after a knock. We'll see what we decide and if he plays or rests tomorrow**," commented Hansi Flick about the Brazilian in the press conference prior to the visit to Real Sociedad

Rapha has carried out a specific work plan in the last two months after overcoming his injury and relapse in his right thigh. The Brazilian showed his best version again in recent weeks, but once again raises alarms in the midst of a relentless schedule.

Barça still has five more matches to play in the final stretch of January, three in La Liga and two in the Champions League. February may present itself as a slightly less congested month in terms of matches to play, although a potential Champions League 'play-off' round could once again burden the Catalan team's fixture list.

If he rests on Sunday in Anoeta, Raphinha would aim for the match against **Slavia Prague** next Wednesday in Czechia. Barça will return home next Sunday the 25th to face **Oviedo** and, three days later, will host **Copenhagen** on the last matchday of the Champions League group stage. On Saturday, January 31st, they will visit **Elche** for matchday 22 of La Liga

Other confirmed absences for Barça against Real Sociedad

In addition to Raphinha, Barça would have three other absences on Sunday against Real Sociedad. **Gavi** and **Andreas Christensen** continue to recover from their long-term injuries, while **'Dro' Fernández** will also not be available.

The midfielder has asked to be transferred in the winter market and will soon resolve his signing for Paris Saint-Germain, by paying his release clause (6 million euros). **Marc-André ter Stegen** must also go on loan to Girona soon, but he would be called up for Anoeta.

Regarding the Copa del Rey match against Racing, Frenkie de Jong returns, having been absent on Thursday after being sent off in the Spanish Super Cup final. Tommy Márquez and Jofre Torrents play on Saturday with the reserve team against Andratx (6:15 PM), but could be available in San Sebastián.