Barca missing Rashford, Raphinha for Atletico cup clash

Barcelona will head into Thursday night’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at Atlético Madrid without either of their first-choice left wingers, Marcus Rashford and Raphinha, after both players were ruled out through injury.

Raphinha continues to recover from a thigh strain, while Rashford sat out training on Wednesday after sustaining a knee knock in Saturday’s 3-0 La Liga victory over Real Mallorca. Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed the setback in his pre-match press conference.

“Marcus is not able to play, he got a hit and it’s painful and we have to take care about this,” Flick told reporters. “I think this is not good news, but in the end I believe in my team always. When it’s like this, the situation is not easy, we grow and this is also necessary for tomorrow.”

The absence of the Brazilian international Raphinha is equally problematic. Flick said the club is taking a cautious approach with the winger, who has become integral to Barça’s high-intensity style.

“He’s a player who is always giving everything, always (playing at) high intensity in the game. And when you feel something, we have to take care and we have to maybe go one step back,” Flick explained. “This is at the moment the situation. And of course, I’m not happy with the situation because we need him.”

With both natural left-wing options unavailable, Flick is expected to turn to Ferran Torres or Dani Olmo, who could be deployed out of position at the Metropolitano. The reshuffle adds to an already lengthy injury list that includes Pedri, Gavi and Andreas Christensen.

Off the pitch, defender Ronald Araújo revealed in an interview with Mundo Deportivo this week that he has battled anxiety and depression over the past 18 months, following a month-long mental health break late last year. Flick praised the Uruguayan’s courage and emphasised the coaching staff’s duty of care.

“He is very strong, so to (be) open (about) this means you have to be strong in this moment,” Flick said. “It’s all about us who are responsible also, for the players. We have to take care of them.”

Barcelona, the reigning Copa del Rey holders, will need every ounce of squad depth and mental resilience as they aim to secure a positive result in Madrid before the return leg at Montjuïc.