Barcelona coaching staff accept responsibility for absence of Raphinha from El Clasico | OneFootball

Barcelona head into El Clasico without a number of key players, a list that is headlined by Raphinha. The Brazilian forward was injured towards the end of September against Real Oviedo, but was expected to be back in time to face Real Madrid this Sunday.

The original time out predicted for Raphinha was three weeks, which would have allowed him to be back after the October international break. After missing games against Girona and Olympiakos though, Raphinha returned to training on Wednesday. It was revealed on Friday though that he had felt discomfort again on Thursday, and would be ruled out of El Clasico.

Barcelona rushed Raphinha back from injury

According to Marca, Raphinha’s absence is not due to a relapse, but does go hand-in-hand with his return being rushed. They say the Brazilian winger returned to training too soon, and that the coaching staff take full responsibility for that decision. Barcelona may be without Raphinha in their upcoming games against Elche, Club Brugge and Celta Vigo before the next international break.

Image via FC Barcelona

When will Raphinha return?

If Raphinha does not make it back for any of those games after El Clasico in the next two weeks, then the aim will be to get him back after the international break. The Blaugrana host Athletic Club at Montjuic on the 22nd of November, and then travel to face Chelsea, games which Flick will want him in the side for.

Who will replace Raphinha?

The most likely scenario is that Marcus Rashford continues on the left side of Barcelona’s attack until Raphinha returns. Although Ferran Torres can operate there, that would likely require using Rashford as a nine, with Robert Lewandowski out of action too. The England international has been in good form in front of goal, with five goals and five assists in his 12 games so far. Flick has commented that he misses Raphinha’s impact defensively and his leadership though.