Fearsome Barcelona attacking trident could start together again after six months | OneFootball

Barcelona were known last season as one of Europe’s most ruthless attacking sides as they cranked open opposition defences with ease and scored goals for fun.

The attacking trident of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha, needless to say, was pivotal for the same, as all three players led by example.

This season, however, all three players have dealt with injuries and have lacked continuity, both on an individual level and also as a collective trident.

Stars to align again?

So far this season, Hansi Flick has not been able to count on his first-choice attacking trio even once in the starting lineup – a staggering statistic with over a third of the campaign completed.

Indeed, the last time Lewandowski, Yamal and Raphinha started a game together was back on May 25th of this year, when Barcelona took on Athletic Club on the final match day of La Liga, already crowned champions by that time.

Raphinha, Lewandowski, Lamine to start again? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

On that night, Lewandowski scored twice and helped the team to a 3-0 win. From then on, injuries have prevented all three players from playing together and this weekend’s game could be the first time they all start for Barcelona this season.

While Lewandowski missed the beginning of the season and for three weeks after an injury on duty with his national team, Raphinha has missed over two months, and Yamal’s availability has been uncertain owing to pubalgia.

As a result, Flick has not been able to name his first-choice attacking trio in a starting lineup even once this season.

Now, the Polish striker is fully fit and firing, Raphinha has returned from injury and even played over half an hour against Chelsea. Yamal, meanwhile, is working on returning to his 100% but continues to start games for Barcelona regardless.

The weekend’s clash against Alaves on Saturday, thus, could be a special one as there is a good chance all three players start for the first time this season. Moreover, the moment will be more special given that it will be at the Spotify Camp Nou.