Hansi Flick’s six options if Raphinha is ruled out for Barcelona’s Getafe clash | OneFootball

Barcelona could face a major selection decision when club football resumes against Getafe on October 10, with Raphinha’s fitness now the key concern for Hansi Flick.

The Brazil international has left his national team camp with discomfort, although the early indications suggest there is no major injury. 

Barcelona will carry out further tests once the forward returns to the Ciutat Esportiva, with the results expected to determine whether he can feature against Getafe.

If the issue is limited to swelling, Barça are confident that Raphinha can recover in time. 

The situation changes if the medical checks reveal anything that could worsen by playing, and in that case, Flick is unlikely to take a risk with a player who has contributed 14 goals and three assists across the campaign. 

On that note, here are multiple options Flick has at his disposal to consider.

Gabriel Jesus gives Flick an immediate alternative

If Raphinha is rested against Getafe, Barcelona already have one experienced option capable of filling the centre-forward role.

Gabriel Jesus, who arrived from Arsenal this summer, has featured in four official matches so far, although every appearance has come from the bench.

His minutes have been limited to 41, but he has made them count. Jesus has scored twice, finding the net against Racing Santander and Feyenoord. 

Gabriel Jesus has already scored twice this season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That gives Flick a ready-made option if he decides Raphinha needs to be protected. 

Jesus has the experience to lead the line and could offer Barça a more traditional presence in the centre of the attack.

Hamza Abdelkarim is another possibility, although his first-team experience remains extremely limited. 

The Egyptian prospect has played only four minutes for Barcelona, but he would arrive with some confidence after scoring his first international goal for Egypt against South Sudan.

Flick has several tactical options if Raphinha misses out

Barcelona’s attacking depth means Flick would not necessarily need to replace Raphinha like-for-like.

The manager had already considered alternative solutions before the season began. 

When he asked Raphinha whether he was prepared to operate as a centre-forward, Anthony Gordon was being considered for the position as well.

Given his tactical versatility and his previous experience of playing in the position, the England international would be a good fit.

Furthermore, Karim Adeyemi was another option, although the German forward is not currently part of Flick’s plans to be played centrally.

Hansi Flick has several options to consider if Raphinha misses out. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez can also operate centrally when Barcelona need more intensity and movement rather than a traditional number nine. 

Neither is a natural centre-forward, but both can adapt because of their pressing, off-the-ball movement and ability to attack dangerous areas inside the box, something which is similar to Raphinha’s style.

Lastly, Lamine Yamal is perhaps the most intriguing alternative, although he would currently be the less likely choice. 

His biggest strength remains isolating defenders from the right wing, where he can use his dribbling and creativity to influence games.

Flick has nevertheless considered using Yamal centrally before, meaning Raphinha’s absence could reopen that possibility.

For now, Barcelona’s priority is to establish the extent of Raphinha’s problem.

If the tests show nothing serious, he could still lead the line against Getafe. 

However, if there is even a small risk of aggravating the problem, Flick has enough alternatives to influence the attack.