FC Barcelona has two games ahead to finish 2025. After winning in Dortmund, Hansi Flick has encountered a problem with Raphinha. He's very tired and had to leave in the 71st minute due to cramps: He needs to rest. The idea is for him to start on the bench in Barça's next match, which is against Leganés at Montjuïc.
Raphinha has accumulated 1,884 minutes so far this season, being one of the FC Barcelona players who's played the most up to now. In Dortmund, he already showed signs of possible fatigue. Because he is so important, what Hansi Flick doesn't want is for the warning to turn into a problem. The plan is clear: Against Leganés, he'll start on the bench and will only play if it's absolutely necessary.
In other words, with Raphinha, Hansi Flick will do the same he did in Mallorca with Lewandowski. The idea the German coach has is that, unless there's a major issue, the Brazilian will spend the 90 minutes on the bench. He wants him in top condition to close 2024 against Atlético de Madrid, in a match corresponding to the 18th round of LaLiga.
So far, Raphinha has become one of the most important players in Barça. Out of 23 matches played, he has an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists; in other words, 27 goal contributions. He's showing slight signs of fatigue and Hansi Flick is clear that he needs to take care of him. After Dortmund, the best thing is for him to rest against Leganés at Montjuïc.
Hansi Flick Has It All Figured Out: This Will be Raphinha's Replacement
If Raphinha deserves (and needs) to rest, there's a teammate who deserves the chance to return to the starting line-up. We're talking about Ferran Torres, who's returned in top condition from his last injury. He scored in Mallorca, also against Betis, and was key in the victory against Dortmund, scoring two of the three goals in Germany.
The feelings with Ferran Torres are very positive. Hansi Flick believes he deserves the chance to shine from the start. Against Leganés, Barça's plan is very clear: Raphinha will rest, and the Valencian will take his spot. Unless there's a last-minute change, or the Brazilian strictly requests to start, this important change is expected in Barcelona's next match.