More problems for Barça: Raphinha also doubtful for El Clásico
Published New:14/10/2025 - 17:20h
Updated New:14/10/2025 - 17:20h
Barça's infirmary added a new member on Tuesday with Lewandowski's absence, and Raphinha could also be out for several more days. The Brazilian has yet to overcome his injury to his right thigh
FC Barcelona is facing a truly dramatic situation with injuries this season. One of the eight players who, for now, remains in the Barça infirmary is Raphinha, out since last September 26 due to an injury to the middle third of the biceps femoris of his right thigh suffered in Oviedo.
Initially, it was expected that the 27-year-old forward would overcome his muscular discomfort within three weeks. This period ends just before the match against Girona (Saturday the 18th at 16:15 CEST), but the '11' has not progressed as expected.
In fact, the latest information in the Barça environment indicates that Rafa has relapsed from his thigh discomfort. Therefore, he still hasn't trained on the Ciutat Esportiva's pitch, unlike Lamine Yamal and Fermín López. The Spanish internationals should be available for matchday 9 of LaLiga, while the Brazilian's situation is uncertain.
Raphinha's presence in the Clásico in jeopardy: Barça will not force him to play if he doesn't play against Olympiacos
The plan Hansi Flick had for Raphinha was to give him some minutes against Girona (20-30') and count on him for, at least, the second half next Tuesday, the 21st against Olympiacos.
However, if the player from Porto Alegre continues to work separately from the squad, it is very likely that he will not receive medical clearance in time for matchday 3 of the Champions League either. In that sense, Flick would have a serious problem heading into the next Clásico, on Sunday, October 26 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Robert Lewandowski is already ruled out against Real Madrid due to a tear in his left hamstring, and the Brazilian, the most lethal forward against the 'merengues' last season, wouldn't even have his call-up assured.
In the 24/25 season, Rafa contributed 5 goals and 2 assists in the 4 Clásicos won by Barça. 'Lewy' also added a brace in the thrashing at the Bernabéu and another goal in the Supercopa, while Lamine did the same with 3 goals and a couple of assists in the Copa del Rey final.
In other words, Flick's team will not have the 'LRL' in attack for the most important match of the first half of 25/26, and, with luck, only Yamal will be available from the start at Chamartín, provided his progress against Girona and Olympiacos is positive. The '10' has missed 5 of Barça's last 7 matches, and the coaching staff knows that they should not push him.
Barça Awaits the Progress of Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Joan García
As such, Barcelona has no option but to wait, day by day, for Raphinha's progress to determine his return date. The same is true for Dani Olmo, who will be out for 2 to 3 weeks due to an injury to his left soleus.
The player from Terrassa faces a very difficult path to make it to El Clásico, but he will make an effort to recover in record time to, at least, be available on the bench at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The other guaranteed starter practically ruled out against Real Madrid is Joan García. The player from Sallent had to undergo surgery on his left meniscus (arthroscopy) and will hardly be back before the next break, in mid-November.
Thus, Barça maintains three significant doubts for matchday 10 of LaLiga and another three confirmed absences. In addition to Lewandowski, Gavi and Ter Stegen will also not be available, their injuries being long-term.
- In FC Barcelona Noticias we tell you every detail of the Barça news and the evolution of all the injured players
