Winger has returned to Brazil after suffering a hamstring injury and Rashford will need to help the club continue fighting on all fronts
Hansi Flick says Raphinha has been given time away from Barcelona to recover mentally after suffering another hamstring injury, and the manager has called on Marcus Rashford to take his opportunity in the team.
Raphinha is expected to be sidelined for around five weeks after injuring his right hamstring during Brazil’s defeat to France. The setback means he will miss the upcoming run of matches against Atletico Madrid, including their Champions League quarter-final match.
“It’s not the best moment for this injury, for us or for him,” Flick said. “He was sad about this and we’re not happy.”
The injury is the third time this season the winger has suffered a problem with the same hamstring, having already missed up to 13 games.
Flick revealed he spoke with the player after the injury and, together with sporting director Deco, decided to allow him to return to Brazil temporarily.
“I talked to him on FaceTime and he was very disappointed, very down, so I decided with Deco that [he could spend time in Brazil],” Flick said.
“Normally we want the players here, but he’s in good hands and maybe he can clear his mind, come back this weekend and start on Monday.
“This is why I gave him some days in Brazil with his family, to clear his mind. It was clear for us.”
Raphinha could return in time for the clásico against Real Madrid on 10 May, but in his absence Rashford is expected to have a greater role as he looks to convince the club to make his move permanent.
“I am happy with Marcus because he’s performed well,” Flick said. “In the last weeks he had some problems, he was injured, we had to take care about that. It’s a good chance now for him to show again, but we have other options [to replace Raphinha].
“Fermin [Lopez] can play there; Gavi also can play there. I am happy Gavi is back on this level. We will see. We have more options.”
Flick also confirmed that Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Eric Garcia have recovered from minor injuries and are available, while Frenkie de Jong is not expected back in training until next week.
Barcelona head into the run-in top of La Liga, four points clear of Real Madrid, with Atletico Madrid trailing further behind. Barcelona will face Atletico three times in 11 days, starting with Saturday’s league fixture, before playing two legs in their Champions League quarter-final tie.
