Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that attacking star Raphinha participated in only one aspect of team training on Monday.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, Barca’s headmaster was drawn on Raphinha’s absence from several training drills at the Ciutat Esportiva this morning.
And Flick went on to explain:
“Raphinha? He only participated in rondos today but he’s ready now to play a full 90.”
Though he did not specifically state as much, the understanding is that Raphinha’s reduced load came in an effort to minimise the risk of any potential injury setback.
The 28-year-old is fresh off his first start since all the way back in September over the weekend, following a lengthy spell on the treatment table with a hamstring problem.
With the fixtures now coming thick and fast, and Raphinha having played a key role in downing Deportivo Alavés on Saturday, the expectation is that he will in turn be in from the off once more against Diego Simeone’s Atlético tomorrow night.
Conor Laird – GSFN
