Barcelona counting on the return of four key players this month as club hope for a ‘miracle’ vs Atleti

Barcelona are banking on the swift return of four pivotal players to resurrect their season after the sobering 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg loss to Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano. Head coach Hansi Flick, while acknowledging the severity of the defeat, insists the squad can rebound, and the medical room is finally offering reasons for optimism.

The most immediate reinforcement is Raphinha, who rejoined full training on Friday and is in line to feature against Girona tomorrow. Staff and teammates alike view the Brazilian as the emotional barometer of the side; his aggression and vocal leadership were conspicuously absent in Madrid and are considered vital to reigniting the collective spirit.

Midfield conductor Pedri is next on the recovery timeline. A hamstring issue has kept the Canary Islander out for a month, but club medics have pencilled him in for the visit of Levante on 22 February, assuming he hits full fitness during the upcoming break. Pedri’s ability to dictate tempo, press intelligently and supply the incisive final ball remains central to Barcelona’s attacking blueprint.

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford, held out of the Atlético trip as a precaution after sustaining a knee knock, is expected to return immediately after the Girona fixture. His pace on the break and clinical edge in front of goal are seen as the perfect antidote to compact, deep-lying defences.

Perhaps the most galvanising sight at Ciutat Esportiva has been Gavi back on the grass with a ball at his feet. The 19-year-old midfielder, long sidelined, is targeting a comeback at the end of the month. If he hits that window, Barcelona would regain the relentless energy and ball-winning bite that characterised their early-season form.

With reinforcements on the horizon, the club believe they can not only protect their La Liga lead but also chase what sources inside the camp are calling a potential “miracle” in the Copa del Rey second leg against Atlético Madrid.