Barcelona winger set to return against Girona; fellow attacker a doubt – report

Barcelona’s injury ledger is finally showing a credit column. After a bruising 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg defeat at Atlético Madrid, Hansi Flick learned on Friday that Raphinha has rejoined partial training and is on course to be medically cleared for Monday’s Catalan derby at Girona.

The Brazilian wide-man, sidelined since a muscular overload forced him off at half-time against Elche, had been pencilled in for a one-week absence. When healing stalled he missed the cup ties with Albacete and Atlético plus the league visit of Mallorca, but Friday’s work with the substitutes and the anticipated full-group session on Saturday leave club medics confident of ratifying his availability on match-day morning.

While Raphinha’s return offers timely width and pressing intensity, uncertainty clouds the opposite flank. Marcus Rashford, who jarred his left knee in an awkward movement versus Mallorca, has yet to resume outdoor work and remains doubtful for the trip to Estadi Montilivi. The on-loan forward sat out the mid-week collapse at the Metropolitano and, with no firm timeline for his return to grass, Flick must weigh up whether to risk the Englishman or preserve him for future engagements.

The infirmary list still contains Pedri, Gavi and Andreas Christensen. Pedri’s target comeback is the 22 February home fixture against Levante, while Gavi and Christensen remain without definitive return dates.

Monday’s derby therefore presents a pivotal juncture: three points against high-flying Girona would steady nerves after the cup humiliation, and the probable reinstatement of Raphinha gives Barcelona a much-needed cutting edge even as they monitor Rashford’s progress right up to kick-off.