FC Barcelona achieved a convincing 4-1 victory against Girona in the last matchday, but Raphinha's absence in the game left fans somewhat worried. This situation was repeated in the previous match against Osasuna.
Despite being in great form, the Brazilian was not drafted, which raised doubts about his physical condition. The situation did not go unnoticed by Hansi Flick, who finally explained the reason behind the decision.
The Surprise Over Raphinha's Absence
The match against Girona was a clear win for FC Barcelona, but Raphinha's absence surprised everyone. After missing the game against Osasuna, many expected the winger to return to the starting line-up against Girona. However, the Brazilian player wasn't even on the bench, which raised questions about his physical condition.
The concern grew even more because Raphinha was at his best with Barça. He had been key in recent matches, and his absence did not go unnoticed in the team. Despite the victory, many fans wondered if there was more behind this decision.
The Impact of the International Break
A possible explanation for Raphinha's discomfort is the physical and emotional exhaustion accumulated during the FIFA date. The forward participated in both of Brazil's matches, including the South American classic against Argentina, a very demanding clash both physically and mentally. Additionally, after these matches, Raphinha had to take a long flight back to Barcelona, which further contributed to his overall fatigue.
Despite arriving at Barça with some muscle discomfort and a hand injury, Raphinha joined the team's training. However, Flick did not want to take any risks and decided not to include him in these two matches, prioritizing his recovery for the more important upcoming games.
Hansi Flick's Statements
At the end of the match, Hansi Flick addressed the concern caused by Raphinha's absence. Barça's coach explained that the reason behind the Brazilian's non-draft was a physical discomfort.
"Raphinha didn't play due to discomfort, he was honest and told me he wasn't feeling quite right... Now we hope he'll be better for Wednesday." Flick wants Raphinha at 100% for the return leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atlético de Madrid.