Barcelona injury list: Players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for next game vs. Atletico Madrid

Barcelona enter a defining April stretch with a lengthy injury sheet but soaring confidence after five consecutive La Liga victories and a statement 7-0 Champions League demolition of Newcastle United. Hansi Flick’s side, currently atop the domestic table, will meet Atlético Madrid three separate times before mid-month—one league fixture followed by two European encounters—making every available body critical.

Raphinha headlines the casualty ward. The Brazilian winger tore his right hamstring while on international duty on 26 March and will be sidelined for five weeks, targeting a potential return against Osasuna on 3 May. His pace and creativity will be missed in the upcoming Madrid duels.

Defensive lynchpin Jules Kounde appeared to dodge a prolonged absence after pulling up early in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg versus Atlético. Having already logged the second-most minutes of any Barça player this season, the Frenchman returned as a substitute in last weekend’s league meeting with the same opponent and is expected to slot back into the starting XI for the next collision.

Midfield engine Frenkie de Jong has not featured since tearing a femoral biceps muscle in late February. Initial forecasts suggested a four-week lay-off, yet the Dutchman remains unavailable for Champions League duty. Local outlet Mundo Deportivo, however, hints he could be in contention for the Catalan derby, leaving the door ajar for a cameo against Atlético.

The long-term absentee is Danish defender Andreas Christensen, who suffered a significant knee injury in training before December’s clash with Villarreal. While surgery has been ruled out, the timeline stretches four to five months, effectively ending his campaign.

Predicted XI for the first of the three Atlético showdowns: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde; Gündoğan, Pedri, Fermín; Yamal, Lewandowski, Félix.

Barcelona’s medical staff will work overtime during the brief international respite, hoping to trim the list before the fixtures pile up.