Why Raphinha is benched for Barcelona vs Real Betis | OneFootball

An explanation for the absence of Raphinha from the latest XI named by La Liga giants Barcelona has been forthcoming online.

This comes amid confirmation that the Brazilian is dealing with a minor fitness problem.

As per a report from RAC1:

‘Raphinha is a substitute with an overload to his adductor (muscle).’

Raphinha is not the only leading member of Barcelona’s frontline to have been left out of the Blaugrana’s line-up to face Real Betis.

So too has Robert Lewandowski.

This has sparked something of a shake-up in Hansi Flick’s attacking ranks, with Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres stepping back in.

The most surprising alteration, though, comes in the attacking midfield role, where summer signing Roony Bardghji is afforded a rare start. The Swede has not played a single minute in any of Barca’s last five fixtures.

With Dani Olmo sidelined, and Fermín López only well enough for the bench, though, Bardghji will on Saturday be afforded the chance to reestablish himself in the plans of Hansi Flick.

Conor Laird – GSFN