Raphinha’s absence could hand two Barcelona stars a starting chance against Getafe | OneFootball

Barcelona could make changes to their attack for Saturday’s meeting with Getafe, with Hansi Flick considering whether Raphinha should be given a rest after his return from international duty, reports SPORT.

Notably, Raphinha came back to Barcelona with a small muscle oedema in the back of his right thigh. 

Fortunately, tests did not show an injury, but the Brazilian’s recent workload could convince Flick to take a cautious approach.

The decision would also come with a packed schedule ahead, including Champions League meetings with Galatasaray and PSG and the El Clasico against Real Madrid later this month.

Gabriel Jesus emerges as the main option

Raphinha’s potential absence could give Gabriel Jesus his biggest opportunity yet since joining Barcelona from Arsenal this summer.

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

The Brazilian has used the international break to work at the Ciutat Esportiva after not being selected by Brazil, allowing him to continue building his fitness and adapting to Flick’s system.

He has already made an impact from the bench, scoring twice against Feyenoord and Racing Santander. 

A start against Getafe would therefore represent a natural next step for the former Manchester City and Arsenal forward.

Jesus also offers Flick a different profile in the attacking line, particularly if Barcelona want a more traditional central presence rather than simply replacing Raphinha like-for-like.

Hamza Abdelkarim also pushing for minutes

Hamza Abdelkarim scored for Egypt during the international break. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Hamza Abdelkarim provides another option if Flick decides to rotate his forwards.

The Egyptian striker has had limited first-team opportunities so far, but his situation has changed after he renewed his Barcelona contract and scored for Egypt’s senior team during the international break.

Abdelkarim is more of a traditional No.9 and could be used either from the start or later in the game depending on how Flick approaches the fixture.

For what it is worth, Raphinha’s possible rest is not just about losing one of their most important attackers because it could give Jesus or Abdelkarim a chance to turn squad depth into genuine competition for minutes, which is equally important for the holistic development of the squad.