Barca will have their Brazilian talisman available.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick hailed the return of a player he felt was “the best in the world” last season as he confirmed Raphinha is fit for their LaLiga clash with Girona.
The Blaugrana visit their neighbours on Monday needing a win to go back ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table. Los Blancos put the pressure back on Barca on Saturday with a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad.
It has been a difficult week for Flick’s side, who were thumped 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Thursday, leaving them with a mountain to climb if they are to continue their defence of that trophy.
Raphinha missed that game with hamstring strain, extending his absence to three matches.
But the Brazilian will return to face Girona, with Flick effusive in his praise of the forward while also announcing that Marcus Rashford will miss out once again because of a knee problem.
“Rashford is ruled out for tomorrow,” Flick told his pre-match press conference.
“He is much better, but it must be taken step by step. Raphinha will be able to play.
“I think Raphinha is very important. I’ve always said it. We miss him when he’s not there, we see him in training as the dynamics and intensity of the team increases.
“I’ve said it more than once: for me, last season he was the best player in the world.”
Barcelona boss has good news on Pedri
The short trip to Girona will come too soon for Pedri, who is still unavailable because of a hamstring complaint of his own. Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Gavi’s extended absence continues. He has not played since September following knee surgery.
But Flick had good news on the prospective return of Pedri.
“Pedri will return this month, but with Gavi we will have to be careful,” Flick added.
“I liked what I saw in training. Maybe in February he won’t be there, but by March I think he is.”
Raphinha’s importance to Barcelona
Flick’s claim about Raphinha is understandable given the remarkable form he displayed last season as Barcelona won a LaLiga and Copa double in addition to reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The former Leeds United man racked up an incredible 56 goal involvements in all competitions in 2024-25, scoring 34 goals and providing 22 assists.
His numbers have dropped off this term as he has battled injury issues, Raphinha finding the net 13 times and registering five assists.
But Raphinha’s average of 1.16 goals + assists per minute this season is the best among Barca players who have featured in at least 10 games.
The clash with Girona and the subsequent LaLiga fixture against Levante should afford Raphinha the opportunity to shake off any rust and find form ahead of a more challenging set of fixtures. Barca finish off February against Villarreal before beginning March with the return leg of the Copa semi-final with Atletico and a tricky trip to Athletic Bilbao.
