Just in: Barcelona captain leaves training early ahead of Alaves clash | OneFootball

Barcelona will lock horns with Deportivo Alaves on Matchday 22 of the 2024/25 La Liga on Sunday noon, hoping to close the gap to leaders Real Madrid.

Having ended the month of January with a 2-2 draw against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League, the Blaugrana will be eager to start January on a winning note.

Minor concern with Raphinha

Ahead of the game though, Barcelona have a minor concern with regard to captain and key winger Raphinha.

Indeed, according to Jijantes FC, the 28-year-old winger left training early today as he is suffering from a simple cold.

Key player for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The report does mention that it is nothing major and that the Brazilian international’s availability for the game against Alaves is not under threat at the moment.

In fact, it is stated he is in perfect condition to play on Sunday. However, the final call will be up to manager Hansi Flick to determine whether to have the winger in the squad list for Sunday’s match.

Key player for Flick

Raphinha has been in excellent form for Barcelona this season, becoming an integral member of the team under Hansi Flick, after not being greatly favoured by former boss Xavi Hernandez.

In 32 appearances, Raphinha has already racked up an amazing tally of 23 goals and 13 assists, forming a deadly attacking partnership with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.

It will be interesting to see whether Flick and Barcelona opt to field him against Alaves or decide to rest him and keep him fresh for the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Valencia next week.

Barcelona could still recover key defender Inigo Martinez for the weekend encounter, although Dani Olmo remains unavailable.