Before the cup battle… absences hit the Blaugrana squad
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that Raphinha and Marcus Rashford did not take part in Barcelona’s latest training session ahead of their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid, scheduled for tomorrow at the Metropolitano Stadium at 10:00 PM Cairo time.
According to the report, Raphinha followed a personalized recovery program in the gym as he works toward regaining full fitness, with particular focus on the upcoming La Liga clash against Girona on Monday, February 16. His physical condition is not yet ideal, making his potential inclusion in the starting lineup against Atlético uncertain.
The Brazilian winger had missed the matches against Albacete and Mallorca due to discomfort in the adductor muscle of his right thigh. Although the club initially estimated a ten-day absence, his recovery has progressed more slowly than expected, coinciding with the crucial encounter against Atlético.
Meanwhile, head coach Hansi Flick has called up several young talents for the preparations, including Tomi Márquez, who made his debut against Mallorca, third-choice goalkeeper Kochen, Jofre Torrents, and Juan Hernández.
