The newspaper “Sport” reported that Barcelona star Rafinha is likely to be ready to play, even if only for a few minutes, in the match against Athletic Bilbao next Saturday in La Liga.
Rafinha has been sidelined since last September due to injury. He was expected to return after the last international break, but suffered a setback that kept him out of action for an additional month.
According to the report, Rafinha’s condition has improved significantly, and the player is close to a full recovery and a return to playing for Barcelona.
Barring any setbacks, Rafinha is expected to participate in Barcelona’s group training for the first time on Wednesday or Thursday.
If Rafinha passes the medical examination in group training this week, he will be given the green light to be on the bench for the Bilbao match.
Coach Hansi Flick will likely prefer not to risk Rafinha and rest him against Bilbao so he can be available for the Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge a few days later, or he could keep him out for another week until the Alavés match to ensure he is fully fit.
It’s worth noting that Barcelona have already welcomed back goalkeeper Juan García after his recovery from injury, and are now on track to have Rafinha back as well, leaving only Pedri, Xavi, and Ter Stegen as the current injury absentees.
