Barcelona injury crisis gets even worse with Raphinha in danger of missing Clasico clash against Real Madrid following Robert Lewandowski blow

Barca have been dealt a major blow ahead of the upcoming Clasico, as Raphinha’s hamstring injury has proven more serious than initially feared. The Brazilian, who suffered the issue during a clash against Real Oviedo two weeks ago, was expected to return for matches against Girona and Olympiacos to regain fitness in time for Real Madrid.

However, Sport reports that Raphinha “felt discomfort” during final fitness tests, forcing him to halt his recovery process. What was initially seen as a short-term problem has now escalated, with his participation in the Santiago Bernabeu showdown on October 26 now in doubt.

The 27-year-old has yet to train with the group since the international break and continues to work individually in the gym. With just days left before the Girona fixture, Hansi Flick and his staff are growing increasingly concerned about his availability for what could be a decisive fixture in Barcelona’s season.

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Raphinha’s absence could prove particularly costly for Barca boss Flick’s tactical setup, with the coach valuing the winger’s directness and pressing from the right flank. According to the report, the coaching staff recognise how crucial Raphinha is to Barca’s tactical setup and overall playing style. As a result, they have decided to delay his return slightly, allowing him more recovery time before reintroducing him to training on the sidelines.

The German coach is said to be adopting a cautious approach, preferring to prioritise the player’s long-term fitness rather than risk aggravating the hamstring injury. However, the report suggests that even a late push for recovery might not be enough in their race against time.

For now, the winger’s rehabilitation has been limited to light gym work, and he hasn’t stepped onto the training pitch since returning from the international break. That lack of progress has left both the technical staff and medical team pessimistic about his involvement in El Clasico.

Blaugrana’s forward line has taken a further hit with their hero Lewandowski’s confirmed absence due to a thigh muscle tear suffered during Poland’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania. The 37-year-old, who has already missed several games this season with recurring muscle problems, is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

“Robert Lewandowski has suffered a muscle tear in the biceps femoris of his left thigh. His recovery time will depend on how the injury evolves,” Barcelona confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. Spanish media reports indicate that the Polish striker will definitely miss games against Girona, Olympiacos, Real Madrid, Elche, Club Brugge and Celta Vigo.

Already without goalkeeper Joan Garcia and Lewandowski, the Raphinha setbacks adds to further fears surrounding Dani Olmo, who is doubtful for El Clasico. Ferran Torres, meanwhile, has returned to the squad after a minor muscle scare, while Lamine Yamal resumed full training on Monday following a groin problem.

With the Clasico just around the corner, Barca’s preparation has been thrown into disarray, and Flick must now reshuffle his attacking options, with Torres and Yamal likely to feature prominently in the absence of Lewa and Raphinha.

The Catalan giants will first face Girona at Montjuic before their Champions League fixture against Olympiacos, both of which were initially earmarked as warm-up matches for the returning stars. Instead, these games now serve as a test of Flick’s squad depth and adaptability.

Barca currently trail La Liga leaders Real Madrid and will head into the Bernabeu clash under pressure to secure a result without two of their key attacking players. The hope remains that Raphinha can stage a late recovery, but as things stand, the Blaugrana could enter the most crucial fixture of their season highly weakened.