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Barça lose Raphinha for five weeks and activate new attacking options
FC Barcelona face a key stage of the season without Raphinha, who will be out for at least five weeks. The injury forces an adjustment to the attack amid the fight for La Liga and the Champions League, at a time when every match sets the team’s tempo.
Hansi Flick has reacted quickly and trusts the available alternatives. The recovery of Balde and Kounde eases the defensive situation and makes it possible to reorganise the starting eleven without losing balance on the pitch.
To replace the Brazilian, the manager is considering several options. Rashford appears to be the most direct alternative, while Fermín gains importance because of his intensity and versatility, with Olmo and Gavi as options to reshape the attacking area.
The absence comes just before demanding matches, including clashes against Atlético de Madrid and several key Liga fixtures. It also casts doubt on Raphinha’s presence in important appointments such as the clásico.
The impact is not only tactical. The player has already begun his recovery away from the competitive environment in order to return in better condition for the final stretch of the season.
For Barça, the challenge now is to maintain its level without one of its key pieces, at a stage when any adjustment can make the difference to the season’s objectives.