Barcelona fell five points behind Real Madrid at the top of La Liga as they slid to a 2-1 defeat in Sunday's Clasico. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham proved the difference for Los Blancos as Lamine Yamal failed to produce much of note at the other end for the injury-hit Blaugrana.

Two days prior to El Clasico, Hansi Flick finds his Barcelona contingent in dire straits as they are hit with yet another injury setback. This time, it's their Brazilian lynchpin Raphinha, who missed training on Friday, and doubts have been cast over his involvement against Real Madrid on Sunday.

With Ferran Torres and Raphinha doubtful for both the Champions League clash and El Clasico, head coach Hansi Flick confirmed his faith in Marcus Rashford to spearhead the attack. The German coach hailed Rashford as a "good option as a No. 9 or No. 11," emphasising his recent improvement. As Barcelona battle a major injury crisis, the on-loan forward is set to be the crucial focal point against Olympiacos and potentially Real Madrid.

Barcelona are dealing with a mounting injury crisis with key defender Andreas Christensen joining forwards Raphinha and Ferran Torres on the sidelines ahead of Tuesday's crucial Champions League tie against Olympiacos. The growing absentee list, which already includes Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, heaps pressure on Coach Hansi Flick as the Blaugrana prepare for the season's first El Clasico against Real Madrid on Sunday.

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.