Raphinha Ruled Out as Barcelona Prepare for Copa del Rey Semi-Final

Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday that Raphinha will miss Thursday's crucial Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid as the Brazilian winger continues his recovery from an adductor injury. The 29-year-old missed training on Tuesday alongside fellow absentee Marcus Rashford as manager Hansi Flick's squad prepared for the high-stakes encounter at the Wanda Metropolitano. Raphinha's absence represents a significant blow to Barcelona's attacking options as they pursue silverware on multiple fronts.

The injury, diagnosed as a strain in the adductor muscle of his right thigh, has already forced Raphinha to sit out Barcelona's previous two matches against Albacete and Mallorca. Club medical staff initially estimated a one-week recovery timeline, though that projection appears optimistic given his continued absence from full training. Speaking to media earlier this week, Raphinha acknowledged his fitness concerns, stating "I'm feeling better, we're taking it day by day" before adding "I'd love to say I can play on Thursday, but I'm a bit short on fitness." His candid assessment suggested he recognized the risk of rushing back too soon.

Raphinha has been a crucial component of Barcelona's attack this season, contributing goals and assists while providing width and creativity on the right flank. His combination play with teammates and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations makes him difficult to replace. Without him, Flick will need to adjust his tactical approach, potentially shifting formation or deploying alternative attacking options to compensate for the Brazilian's absence. The timing proves particularly unfortunate given Atletico Madrid's defensive solidity under Diego Simeone.

Marcus Rashford's simultaneous absence from training adds to Flick's selection headaches, though the English forward's situation differs from Raphinha's injury concern. Barcelona signed Rashford on loan from Manchester United in January, and his adaptation to Spanish football continues. The absence of both attackers from Tuesday's training session limited Flick's ability to fine-tune attacking patterns ahead of such a critical fixture. Team preparations have focused on ensuring the available players understand their roles and responsibilities.

The Copa del Rey semi-final represents one of Barcelona's best opportunities for silverware this season. The two-legged tie will determine which team advances to the final, making Thursday's first leg at Atletico's stadium crucial for gaining an advantage. Barcelona must navigate this away fixture without one of their most dangerous attacking threats before hosting the return leg at Camp Nou. Flick's tactical acumen will be tested as he seeks to devise a game plan capable of securing a positive result in hostile territory.

Barcelona medical staff continue to monitor Raphinha's recovery closely, with the return leg and subsequent league fixtures providing motivation to avoid rushing his comeback. The club's cautious approach reflects modern sports science principles that prioritize long-term health over short-term availability. While his absence creates challenges for Thursday's match, ensuring Raphinha returns fully fit will prove more valuable across the remaining months of the season as Barcelona compete across multiple competitions. Flick confirmed the squad would be finalized after Wednesday's final training session, with several players competing to fill the void left by Raphinha's injury.