Following Barcelona’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, positive signs have emerged within the Catalan club, with one of their key attacking players nearing a return.
Rafinha Takes Another Step Towards Recovery
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Brazilian star Rafinha participated in part of the team’s training session at the Joan Gamper Sports City, marking a significant step in his recovery from the muscle injury that sidelined him for the last three and a half matches.
Rafinha sustained the injury during the La Liga match against Elche, leaving the field at halftime due to muscle pain. He subsequently missed the match against Mallorca, as well as the following Copa del Rey fixtures, because of what the club described as muscle fatigue.
Despite returning to training, the player has not yet received full medical clearance to play officially. However, his presence on the pitch represents a significant morale boost for both the coaching staff and the fans.
A Race Against Time Before Girona
Barcelona is preparing to face Girona in the next La Liga round, and Rafinha’s participation remains uncertain, whether as a starter or for limited minutes. The coaching staff’s current priority is to get him into the best possible condition without risking aggravating his injury.
Coach Hansi Flick emphasized in his last press conference the need to manage the player’s condition cautiously, noting that Rafinha always gives his all with great enthusiasm, which necessitates careful protection whenever he experiences any pain.
Hope with Pedri on the Decisive Night
Within the coaching staff, there is a belief that Rafinha’s return, alongside Pedri, in the second leg on March 3rd at the Camp Nou could restore some balance to the team, despite the daunting task after losing the first leg 4-0.
Barcelona understands that a comeback seems almost mathematically impossible, but a full squad provides a glimmer of hope for writing a new chapter in their history of memorable European nights at the Camp Nou.
