Just in: Barcelona receive major fitness boost ahead of Slavia Prague UCL clash | OneFootball

Following their 2-1 defeat to Real Sociedad in La Liga on Sunday, FC Barcelona will be gunning to bounce back to winning ways.

Up next for the reigning champions of Spain is a UEFA Champions League encounter against Slavia Prague away at the Fortuna Arena in Czechia.

Raphinha back in training

Leading up to the match on Wednesday, AS reports that Barcelona have received positive news at the Ciutat Esportiva.

Raphinha trained with the group during the morning recovery session and will be available for the Champions League encounter in Prague.

The Brazilian international did not travel to San Sebastian at the weekend to face Real Sociedad due to a heavy blow to his right leg.

Set to be available vs Slavia Prague. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Raphinha’s absence proved costly, as Barcelona saw their run of 11 consecutive victories come to an end at the Reale Arena.

But the good news is that the former Leeds United winger has now fully recovered and is set to play a key role as Barcelona aim to finish among the top eight and avoid the play-off round.

To achieve that objective, the Blaugrana must win their next two matches, against Slavia Prague and FC Copenhagen, and hope that several teams above them drop points in the final two rounds.

Raphinha’s return is particularly important ahead of Wednesday’s match, not only because of his leadership and presence on the pitch, but also because Barcelona will be without Lamine Yamal, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards.

So far this season, the 28-year-old winger has racked up a return of 11 goals and five assists from 18 matches in all competitions.