Barcelona Hit by Double Injury Crisis Ahead of Crucial Copa del Rey Battle Against Atletico Madrid

Barcelona have announced that Marcus Rashford and Raphinha will be unavailable for Thursday's Copa del Rey semifinal opening leg against Atlético Madrid in Spain's capital city.

The team disclosed that Rashford sustained an injury during last weekend's win over Mallorca and has been ruled out as a "precautionary measure." No specific timeframe has been provided for the England star's comeback, but he won't be the sole significant absence.

Raphinha also skipped Wednesday's training session following his absence from the last two matches due to a hamstring injury. Hansi Flick's pessimistic outlook regarding the situation paints a concerning scenario for both players moving ahead.

Hansi Flick: 'I'm Not Happy'

Hansi Flick: 'I'm Not Happy'

Raphinha represents an especially significant absence. Flick's cherished key player serves as the core of the team's pressing system which can falter without him—Barcelona have yet to suffer defeat in any match with the Brazilian in the starting lineup this season. Nevertheless, that tireless work off the ball can take its toll on the 29-year-old.

Thursday's semifinal will mark the 13th match this campaign that Raphinha has been compelled to miss due to injury—matching the total number of games he was absent for during his initial three seasons with the club.

"Gradually, we must look after him," Flick cautioned regarding Raphinha, a player who "consistently gives everything, with tremendous intensity, and whenever he experiences any discomfort, we must care for him and restrain him."

"I'm not pleased because we require him, just like all the other injured players," the German manager lamented. "These situations can occur. Until now, we've been performing well."

Rashford will also be absent, much to Flick's disappointment. "We have issues within the squad, Marcus cannot participate, he received a knock, he's experiencing pain, and we must care for him," the coach disclosed.

How Barcelona Can Cover Attacking Absences

How Barcelona Can Cover Attacking Absences

The most apparent answer to Barcelona's shortage of attackers is a player who has already been surpassing Rashford and Raphinha in certain areas. Only Lamine Yamal has directly contributed to more goals across all competitions than Fermín López, who maintains double-digit numbers in both categories.

This remarkable production, achieved from attacking midfield and occasional wide positions, has secured Fermín a new extended contract through the summer of 2031. Following a summer of potential interest from Chelsea, Barcelona have benefited from a talent developing into one of Europe's most effective dual threats.

"He can continue to develop and become more composed," Flick, always the demanding coach reflected earlier this year, "but he's progressing well."

Dani Olmo could alternatively be deployed wide to maintain Fermín in his preferred central role—Barcelona are already without their most crucial midfielder, Pedri, who probably won't return until late February.