There are positive signs regarding Raphinha’s ability to participate with Barcelona against Real Madrid in El Clásico next Sunday, after completing his recovery from the injury that kept him out for over a month.
Raphinha was expected to return to Barcelona immediately after the international break, but he suffered a setback that caused him to miss the matches against Girona and Olympiacos, leaving him in a race against time to be at the Santiago Bernabéu next week.
According to Sport, Raphinha participated partially in Barcelona’s training session on Wednesday, which is a good sign of his recovery from the injury, but his participation in El Clásico is not yet certain.
The Brazilian international will need to fully participate in Barcelona’s training session on Thursday. If he does so without discomfort or pain, Rafinha will receive the medical clearance to join the Barça delegation heading to the Spanish capital next Sunday.
Coach Hansi Flick is considering having Raphinha on the bench in El Clásico as a trump card, playing for the final half-hour at most, for fear of putting him under additional physical pressure, which could lead to another setback that would keep him out for a long period of time.
Raphinha has participated with Barcelona this season in seven matches between La Liga and the Champions League, scoring three goals and assisting two others.
It’s worth noting that Barcelona has regained the services of Ferran Torres, and it’s now certain that the player will be able to participate against Real Madrid. Barça’s only offensive absence will be top scorer Robert Lewandowski, along with midfielder Dani Olmo.
