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Barcelona face a tough test upon returning from the international break, heading to Atlético Madrid as they look to defend their La Liga title.
This marks the fourth of six encounters between the Spanish giants this season—with two more scheduled in the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal—and presents Barça with a chance to edge closer to the championship.
Securing a win at the Metropolitano is never easy, as Barça learned during their recent 4–0 Copa del Rey thrashing at the same ground, and their challenge is further complicated by the absence of key attacker Raphinha.
Here's the reason the Brazilian will be unavailable in the Spanish capital on Saturday.
Why Is Raphinha Not Playing Against Atlético Madrid?
Barcelona have endured a string of injury problems throughout the season and received yet another painful blow during the international break. Raphinha, who has racked up 26 goal contributions across all competitions this campaign, picked up a hamstring injury during Brazil's 2–1 loss to France on March 26.
Given that the match was merely a friendly, Barcelona's frustration is entirely understandable, and the Catalan club will now be without Raphinha for around five weeks. Beyond missing this weekend's fixture, he will also be absent for both legs of the Champions League tie against Atléti.
A return in early May is a significant blow to Barça's pursuit of both domestic and European glory, particularly given the outstanding form Raphinha had been showing in recent weeks. Before the international break, he had netted six goals and provided two assists across his last six appearances.
The winger has sat out 13 games for Barcelona due to various injuries this season, with the club managing only seven wins in those matches, suffering five defeats and drawing one. The heavy away loss to Atléti was among the games he missed.
Fortunately, Hansi Flick has alternative options in wide attacking areas. Marcus Rashford is the most likely candidate to step in for the Brazilian, while Ferran Torres and Fermín López are also capable of filling in on the left flank.