Why isn’t Raphinha playing for Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid today?
As Barça chase a spot in the Champions League semifinals, Hansi Flick’s team will have to do without Raphinha.
Barcelona will again be without key winger Raphinha when they face Atlético Madrid today, as the Brazilian international continues his recovery from a muscle injury.
In the second of three meetings with Atlético in the space of a week and a half, Barça host Los Rojiblancos in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals this evening, as the Blaugrana continue their pursuit of a first continental crown since 2015.
Having also faced off in LaLiga four days ago - a game the Catalans won 2-1 in Madrid - Barça and Atlético then meet once more in the Spanish capital next Tuesday, in the second leg of their European tie.
What injury does Raphinha have?
Sidelined since late last month with hamstring damage, Raphinha missed Saturday’s league win and appears certain not to play any part in either leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. The 29-year-old picked up the muscle issue while on international duty, limping out of Brazil’s friendly defeat to France on March 26.
In a medical report released the following day, Barça predicted a five-week absence for Raphinha, who has been hit by hamstring trouble before this season. Between late September and mid-February, the injury confined him to two spells in the sickbay, leading him to miss around two months of action.
Raphinha’s unavailability represents a major blow for Barça, whose Champions League last-16 win over Newcastle United was, in no small part, thanks to the Brazilian. After a 1-1 opening draw at St. James’ Park, Raphinha racked up two goals and two assists in the return at Camp Nou, as Barça romped to an 8-3 aggregate victory.
Who can replace Raphinha against Atlético?
In Raphinha’s absence, Marcus Rashford started on the left wing in last weekend’s league clash at the Estadio Metropolitano, scoring Barça’s first goal in a come-from-behind win. However, another option for head coach Hansi Flick is Dani Olmo, whose higher intensity in out-of-possession pressing may earn him the nod today.
“This is a part of our game that’s very important,” Flick told reporters yesterday. “With the ball, everyone knows [Rashford] is fantastic - in one-on-one situations, he’s really doing good. But to defend is also part of the game, part of our game, part of football.”
Check out our predicted Barcelona XI against Atlético.
Who else is injured for Barcelona?
Ahead of today’s Champions League clash at Camp Nou, Raphinha has been joined on the sidelines by midfielder Marc Bernal, who suffered an ankle injury against Atlético on Saturday. Barça will also be without Andreas Christensen (knee) and Frenkie de Jong (hamstring).
Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid: kickoff times, how to watch
In the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, Barça and Atlético square off today, Wednesday, April 8, with kickoff at Camp Nou scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT. Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game on Paramount+, DAZN USA, TUDN USA, Univisión and ViX. You can also follow live-text coverage of the game with AS USA.
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