Barcelona injury setback: Two key stars set to miss Atlético Madrid Copa clash

Barcelona will be without both Raphinha and Marcus Rashford for Thursday’s Copa del Rey semifinal first leg against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano, delivering a late double blow to Hansi Flick’s lineup.

Raphinha not ready to return

Raphinha’s absence had seemed increasingly likely. The Brazilian winger hinted earlier this week that his availability was in doubt, saying he had “a chance” to play but was “a little tight.” That uncertainty became reality Tuesday when he did not train with the group.

Raphinha has been dealing with a right adductor strain that was initially expected to sideline him for about a week. Instead, the recovery timeline has stretched closer to two weeks. He will now miss three matches in total: Albacete, Mallorca and Atlético Madrid.

Rashford setback complicates plans

Rashford’s situation is more surprising.

The England international took a knock to his knee in the weekend match against Mallorca. What initially appeared to be a minor issue has worsened enough to keep him out of the last two training sessions. All signs point to Rashford staying behind rather than traveling to Madrid.

For Flick, the loss of two attacking options significantly narrows his options for one of Barcelona’s biggest knockout games of the season.

De Jong cleared to return

There is, however, some good news for Barcelona.

Frenkie de Jong is expected to be available after overcoming pubic discomfort that forced him to miss last weekend’s game against Mallorca.

With a trip to the Metropolitano and a Copa final berth on the line, Barcelona will have to navigate one of its toughest tests yet without two of its headline attackers.