Marcus Rashford will replace Raphinha in the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Albacete at Estadio Carlos Belmonte on Tuesday.
Barcelona will aim to secure a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals when they lock horns with Albacete in the quarter-final at Estadio Carlos Belmonte on Tuesday night. Hansi Flick has a new injury concern to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Raphinha is the latest absentee after sustaining a groin injury in the league game against Elche CF this past weekend. The Catalan club’s official statement has revealed that the Brazilian international will spend a week in the treatment room and that he will not take on Albacete on Tuesday.
Raphinha has joined Andreas Christensen (knee), Pedri (hamstring), and Gavi (knee) in the treatment room. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided a fitness update on the Brazilian attacker.
The Barcelona manager said, “To be honest, I’m not happy about his injury. He’s a very important player for us. We’ll have to see what needs to change. We’re at an important moment and we need him. It’s not good for us that he isn’t available.”
During his presser, Flick also provided a fitness update on Gavi. The German tactician said, “We’ll see, step by step. The important thing for him is to stay calm and take it one step at a time. He has a very long career ahead of him and wants to play for many years. It’s important he gets in shape, but one step at a time. We’re looking after him.”
Joan Garcia will take his spot between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him against Albacete on Tuesday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Marc Bernal will make a rare start, joining Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez in the middle of the park. Finally, Ferran Torres will lead the line for the away side against Albacete, with Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. So, Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Roony Bardghji will be backup options on the bench.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Garcia; Kounde, Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; Olmo, Bernal, Lopez; Yamal, Torres, Rashford