Barcelona captain issues update on availability for Copa del Rey semi-final vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Speaking at a public appearance earlier today, FC Barcelona winger and one of the club captains, Raphinha, has issued an update on his fitness and availability ahead of the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.

The Brazilian international has missed the Blaugrana’s last two matches, against Albacete and RCD Mallorca, due to a muscle overload in his thigh.

The club had suggested a recovery period of one week, and the expectation is that he could rejoin group training in tomorrow’s session and travel to Madrid for the first leg of the cup semi-final.

Raphinha breaks silence on physical condition

Now, Raphinha himself has broken his silence on his physical condition and whether he will be ready in time to face Diego Simeone’s team at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

“I am better, but not at 100%. We are taking it day by day. There are options to make it on Thursday, but I still do not know. If I am well, I will play, but we have to wait,” he said.

When asked whether he felt the team missed him, he replied that he is the one who misses the team the most. He also assured that he is “very eager” to be able to play.

While Raphinha could resume training tomorrow, Barcelona are certain not to take any risks with the winger, considering that he has already endured multiple injury problems in the current season.

Indeed, the 29-year-old winger has already missed 12 matches across all competitions due to physical problems, and as such, will not be rushed back to actio.