Barcelona forward Raphinha will not be available for Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid due to a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, according to a source reported by ESPN on Friday.
The 28-year-old Raphinha has been sidelined since Barcelona’s victory against Real Oviedo on September 25. After returning to training this week, he was anticipated to feature on the bench at Bernabéu this weekend.
However, during Friday’s training session, he experienced some discomfort, which will prevent him from playing for the foreseeable future.
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The source could not provide a precise timeline for Raphinha’s return, but it may take a few more weeks before the Brazil international can play again.
His recovery has already exceeded initial expectations, as Barcelona estimated a three-week absence after he sustained the injury in Oviedo. Now in his fourth week out, he could miss upcoming matches against Elche, Club Brugge, and Celta Vigo before the international break in November.
Additionally, Marc-André ter Stegen, Joan García, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski are also set to miss the match against Madrid, and Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen are doubts due to fitness issues.
This first Clásico of the season features the top two teams in LaLiga, with Madrid ahead of Barcelona by two points; however, Barcelona won all four encounters between the teams last season.
Moreover, Barça coach Hansi Flick will not be present on the touchline during the game as the club’s appeal against his red card from last weekend’s match against Girona was rejected by Spain‘s Sports Administrative Court (TAD) on Friday.
Flick received two yellow cards during stoppage time, with the referee stating that the first was for sarcastically applauding a decision and the second for his reaction to the caution. However, Flick contended that he was actually applauding one of his players, Frenkie de Jong. With the appeal dismissed, he will have to observe the Clásico from the stands.
Consequently, Barça announced that Flick will not hold the pre-match news conference on Saturday. Instead, his assistant Marcus Sorg will take over.