Hansi Flick provides double Barcelona injury update before Girona

Barcelona will head to Girona on Monday night with a mixed injury bulletin after head coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Raphinha has been cleared to return while Marcus Rashford remains sidelined. The reigning Spanish champions, stung by a 4-0 midweek loss at Atlético Madrid, are seeking an immediate response at Estadi Montilivi in the latest Catalan derby.

Speaking to the media on Sunday afternoon, Flick offered a concise assessment of the attacking pair: “Rashford is improving, but he’s ruled out for tomorrow. Raphinha, however, can play.” The Brazilian winger’s availability offers a timely boost to a squad looking to rediscover momentum after their heaviest defeat of the campaign.

Barça’s defeat at the Metropolitano snapped a sequence of positive results and intensified the pressure to claim three points against their regional rivals. With Raphinha back in contention, Flick has an additional option to revitalise a front line that failed to muster a goal against Atlético. Rashford, who has been nursing an unspecified injury, will continue his rehabilitation, leaving the German coach to reshuffle his offensive setup once again.

Kick-off against Girona is scheduled for Monday evening as Barcelona aim to protect their position at the summit of La Liga and quickly erase the memory of their midweek setback.