Barcelona’s Woes Deepen As Raphinha Misses El Clásico Clash With Real Madrid

‎Barcelona will be without Raphinha for Sunday’s El Clásico against LaLiga leaders Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, assistant coach Marcus Sorg confirmed on Saturday.

‎The Brazilian winger has failed to recover from a leg muscle injury in time for the clash. His absence adds to Barcelona’s growing injury woes this season.

‎Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-André ter Stegen are also sidelined.

‎With 10 players sidelined since August, Barca’s injury crisis has left their squad severely depleted ahead of one of the most crucial fixtures of the season.

‎Despite Raphinha’s setback, the Spanish champions remain optimistic that they can count on key players Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie De Jong, who all took part in Saturday’s team practice.

‎”Any team would miss Raphinha, but the situation is what it is. He is injured,” Sorg told a press conference.

‎”We’ll see if Ferran (Torres) starts, we’ll decide tomorrow. Jules Kounde also trained this morning and may play. I still have no idea about the starting eleven.”

‎Torres departed Spain’s camp early due to leg muscle fatigue, while De Jong missed three training sessions this week because of illness.

‎Kounde also picked up a leg knock during the 6-1 Champions League win over Olympiacos, forcing him off mid-match.

‎The trio’s issues deepen Barcelona’s selection concerns ahead of their crucial clash with Real Madrid, who lead them by two points after eight games.

‎Barcelona’s coach will serve suspension

‎Assistant coach Marcus Sorg will lead Barcelona on Sunday as Hansi Flick serves a suspension. The Barca manager was sent off in the closing moments of the 2-1 win over Girona on October 18 for allegedly protesting referee decisions.

‎Sorg acknowledged that 60-year-old German Flick’s absence will be felt but insisted the team remains prepared.

‎”Flick will always be missed because he’s one of the most important parts of the team,” he said.

‎”I think to have Flick on the sidelines, because the players trust him, he gives them confidence – his absence does have an influence. But Flick is in a good mood, positive, motivated.”

‎Despite growing challenges, Sorg remained confident about leading the team in the marquee match.

‎Barcelona secured four straight victories against Real Madrid across three competitions last season, scoring 16 goals, including a 4-0 thrashing at the Bernabéu and a 5-2 win in the Super Cup final.

‎”It’s an honour to be on the bench leading this team. It will be a tough match and I hope we can show our strengths,” said Sorg, who will face Real’s new manager Xabi Alonso.

‎”Real have made progress from last year, they press high up the pitch, I think that’s changed (from the previous term). You never know what can happen at the Bernabeu… We have to control our emotions and we’re ready.”