Hansi Flick admitted he’s “particularly sad” about Raphinha’s situation as Barcelona's injury crisis deepens, with Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres also ruled out this week after returning from international duty. With key forwards missing and El Clasico approaching, the German coach faces a growing headache as the Catalans prepare for decisive games against Girona, Olympiacos and Real Madrid.
Injury setbacks mount for Flick as Clasico looms
Barcelona’s preparations for El Clasico have taken a major hit, with Lewandowski, Torres and Raphinha all facing fitness concerns less than two weeks before the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu. Lewandowski suffered a muscle tear while on international duty with Poland and could be out for several weeks, leaving his participation against Madrid in serious doubt. The club expressed frustration after reports emerged that the veteran striker completed the full 90 minutes despite feeling discomfort early in the match.
Meanwhile, Torres returned early from Spain duty with a knock and is also ruled out of the upcoming clash against Girona. With both senior attackers sidelined, Flick is expected to rely on teenage star Lamine Yamal and summer signings Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford to lead the line in the Catalan derby.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportFlick opens up on injury frustration and player fitness
Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s return to La Liga action, Flick reflected on his squad’s growing injury list and the toll of international breaks on player fitness.
On Lewandowski’s setback, the German said: “Robert told me the same thing [Poland coach Jan] Urban said. That he had a bandage on and wasn't in any pain. These things happen at this time of year. International breaks are difficult. The travel, the galas, it's a shame."
When asked if the Polish striker could have been more cautious, Flick came to his defence: “Let's see, but I don't think there's another player who takes as much care of himself as Robert. He told me he didn't think it was an injury. These things happen. He takes great care of his body. Except for Ronaldo, I don't think there's anyone who takes such care of himself at his age and is as fit.”
The Barca boss also shared his emotions regarding Raphinha’s setback, admitting that the Brazilian’s absence hurts both tactically and personally.
"Every case is different. I'm particularly sad about Raphinha's situation, and I think he'll be back soon. He's important for us because he's the one who puts the pressure on," he added. "That's our plan for Madrid. Sometimes there are problems with recovery, but we hope it's there."
Barcelona’s depth in question ahead of big games
The injuries come at a critical time for the Catalan giants, who sit second in La Liga, just two points behind league leaders Real Madrid. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, including Girona in La Liga and Olympiacos in the Champions League, Flick’s squad depth will be tested like never before.
Raphinha, who has been a key part of Barca’s pressing system under Flick, is not yet training fully but could rejoin the squad in the coming days. Yamal, meanwhile, is said to be training “more normally” and is expected to return this weekend after resting during the international break.
Fermin Lopez is fully fit and likely to feature in midfield, offering Flick some creative spark in Lewandowski’s absence. Dani Olmo, however, remains two or three weeks away from recovery, while Joan Garcia will also miss the trip to Madrid.
Getty Images SportRace against time before El Clasico for Barca
Flick’s immediate focus will be stabilising the squad for the next two games before turning attention to the highly anticipated Clasico on October 26. The coach hopes to have Raphinha, Yamal and Torres back in time to bolster the attack, though the Polish striker is almost certain to miss out. Barcelona are optimistic that the Brazilian winger’s recovery will go according to plan, as his pace and intensity are crucial to Flick’s high-pressing system.
The next two fixtures will serve as a litmus test for Flick’s tactical adaptability and squad resilience. With Girona and Olympiacos providing challenging opposition, the Blaugrana must maintain momentum to keep pressure on Los Blancos at the top of the table.