Barcelona consolidated their position at the top of the league table with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Girona.
The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres lit up the game with their attacking flair, with the Pole even bagging a brace that helped him break Ferenc Puskas’ record of most goals scored in La Liga after turning 36.
One of the key takeaways from Barcelona’s win was that the club managed to secure a comprehensive win without the services of star man Raphinha.
The Brazilian was left out of the starting eleven against Girona, leading many to believe that he might have picked up fatigue on account of the international break.
Flick confirms Raphinha’s discomfort
Speaking to the media after the game, Flick confirmed that Raphinha was not involved in the game on account of discomfort.
“Raphinha didn’t play due to discomfort. He was honest and told me he wasn’t fully fit… Now we hope he’ll be in better shape for Wednesday,” the German said (h/t Diario SPORT).
In the absence of both Raphinha and the recently injured Dani Olmo, Flick was forced to start Fermin Lopez and Gavi in the creative unit – a move that worked out quite well at the end.
Will Raphinha play against Atletico Madrid?
Following the win over Girona, Barcelona’s focus will immediately turn to Wednesday’s big encounter against Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey.
But the question stands: Will Raphinha be able to start against Los Colchoneros?
According to Alfredo Martinez, Raphinha is a doubt for the Atletico Madrid clash due to the discomfort, as revealed by Flick.
This could serve as a major blow for the Catalans, who will need to be at their attacking best when they take on Diego Simeone’s troops this midweek.
Barça, therefore, will hope that Raphinha can recover quickly and become available against Atletico, at least on the bench if not in the starting eleven.
