La Liga giants Barcelona have on Friday been dealt some altogether discouraging news on the personnel front.
This comes amid confirmation that a leading member of the club’s attacking ranks will not be available for selection against Real Madrid this weekend.
The player in question? Raphinha.
Wide-man Raphinha has for his part spent the last month on the sidelines, owing to a hamstring injury.
The Brazilian was spotted back in group training alongside the rest of Hansi Flick’s squad this week, giving rise to widespread optimism that he would at least be fit enough to take his place on the bench for Sunday’s El Clásico.
As alluded to above, however, on Friday, as much has been ruled out.
As confirmed by Barcelona insider Gerard Romero, amongst others, Raphinha was forced to sit out training at the Ciutat Esportiva this morning.
This comes owing to an alleged setback in his recovery.
The former Leeds United man has therefore been ruled out of the Clásico.
Conor Laird – GSFN
