Is Raphinha Out for Barcelona's El Clásico Against Real Madrid?
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Synopsis
Barcelona faces Real Madrid in El Clásico without Raphinha due to injury. With key players also sidelined, assistant coach Marcus Sorg prepares for a challenging match. Will Barcelona overcome their injury woes in this pivotal La Liga clash?
Key Takeaways
- Raphinha's injury leaves Barcelona without a key player.
- Barcelona has a total of 10 players injured since August.
- Assistant coach Marcus Sorg will lead the team in El Clásico.
- The match is crucial for early La Liga title aspirations.
- Ferran Torres and others may still play despite recent fitness concerns.
Madrid, Oct 25 (NationPress) Barcelona is set to take on La Liga leaders Real Madrid this Sunday in El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabeu without their Brazilian forward Raphinha, as confirmed by assistant coach Marcus Sorg on Saturday. This comes as the Catalan club continues to face a growing injury crisis.
The 28-year-old winger has not recovered from a leg muscle injury, adding to a lengthy list of players unavailable for selection, which includes Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. With a total of 10 players sidelined since August, Barcelona’s squad is stretched thin ahead of this crucial match.
Despite the absence of Raphinha, the reigning Spanish champions remain optimistic about the availability of key players such as Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie de Jong, all of whom participated in Saturday’s training.
“Any team would miss Raphinha, but we must deal with the current situation. He is injured,” Sorg stated at a press conference. “We’ll decide tomorrow whether Ferran starts. Jules Kounde also trained this morning and might play. I’m uncertain about the starting eleven.”
Ferran Torres left the Spain national team camp early due to leg muscle fatigue, while Frenkie de Jong missed three training sessions this week due to illness. Jules Kounde had to leave the Champions League match against Olympiacos prematurely after sustaining a leg injury.
These injuries have further complicated Barcelona’s selection for the vital matchup against La Liga leaders, who currently sit two points ahead of the second-placed Barcelona after eight matches.
Assistant coach Marcus Sorg will lead the team on Sunday, as head coach Hansi Flick is serving a suspension following his red card during the 2–1 victory over Girona on October 18. Flick was dismissed in the final moments of that match for protesting referee decisions.
This marks the first El Clásico of the season, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid keen to secure three points for early bragging rights. The two archrivals are once again locked in a tight contest for the La Liga title.
Point of View
The situation surrounding Barcelona's injuries is concerning. The absence of Raphinha and other key players raises questions about their ability to compete effectively against Real Madrid. However, the resilience of the team and the depth of their squad will be tested in this defining match, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of football.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who confirmed Raphinha's absence for El Clásico?
Assistant coach Marcus Sorg confirmed Raphinha's absence due to a leg muscle injury.
How many players are currently injured for Barcelona?
Barcelona currently has 10 players sidelined due to injuries since August.
Will Ferran Torres play in El Clásico?
Ferran Torres's participation is uncertain as he left the national team camp early due to muscle fatigue.
Who is leading Barcelona in this match?
Assistant coach Marcus Sorg will lead Barcelona in the El Clásico, as head coach Hansi Flick is suspended.
What is the significance of this El Clásico?
This is the first El Clásico of the season, and both teams are vying for critical points in the La Liga title race.
