A concerning fitness update from Raphinha has left Barcelona fans on edge ahead of their crucial Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Atletico. In a recent interview, Raphinha revealed that while he's feeling better, he's not yet at 100% fitness, leaving his availability for Thursday's match uncertain.
The Brazilian star has been battling an overload injury, causing him to miss Barcelona's recent wins over Albacete and Real Mallorca. Despite initial hopes, it seems the road to recovery is not as straightforward as initially anticipated.
"I'm improving, but I'm not there yet. We're taking it day by day," Raphinha shared with Sport. While there's a chance he could make it for Thursday, he emphasized, "I don't know yet. If I feel good, I'll play, but we're not rushing it."
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is eager to have Raphinha back in action but is cautious about potential relapses. He's already expressed his frustration over losing his key player to injury yet again this season.
So, will Raphinha be fit in time for the semi-final? Only time will tell. This situation highlights the delicate balance between player recovery and team strategy, leaving fans and experts alike speculating on the potential impact of his absence.
What do you think? Should Barcelona take a risk and field Raphinha, or is it better to err on the side of caution? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
