The Copa del Rey semifinal doesn’t come at the best moment for Barça. Hansi Flick and his coaching staff have encountered a major setback: they won’t be able to count on two of their main attacking references. Marcus Rashford and Raphinha are left out due to physical discomfort, and that forces a reshaping of the attack in a clash of maximum demand.

The absence of both is not definitive in the long term, but it does condition a key match. Flick will have to improvise solutions on the left flank and adjust automatisms that had been working. To lose speed, dribbling ability, and outside threat at this stage of the competition is a huge challenge.

Mild injuries, but absolute caution
In Raphinha’s case, muscle overload has set off the alarm. The Brazilian has already suffered discomfort due to an accumulation of minutes, and the medical staff has preferred to stop in time. The priority is to avoid a relapse that could complicate the decisive stretch of the season.

Raphinha wearing a Barcelona uniform pointing to the team’s crest on his jersey during a match.
The great talent of Raphinha | Getty Images
Rashford, meanwhile, is dragging a knock to his left knee. It is not a serious injury, but it is bothersome enough to prevent him from competing with guarantees. There is consensus at the club: it’s better to lose them for one match than to take a risk and regret it later. Both could be available for the next league fixture, but for now the focus is on protecting them.

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The internal philosophy is clear: not to force anyone. However, the schedule doesn’t let up, and the clash against Atlético de Madrid demands maximum concentration. Barça loses two footballers who are capable of changing a match in seconds, even when they come on from the bench.

Even if they weren’t ready for 90 minutes, their mere presence conditions any defense. They are players who pin defenders, create spaces, and force the opponent to rethink its setup. Without them, the team loses depth and part of its attacking intimidation.

Simeone detects the opportunity
Diego Simeone is not oblivious to this scenario. The rojiblanco coach knows that these absences are significant and understands that this could be the ideal moment to strike. In high-voltage matches, every detail counts, and the absence of two unbalancing wingers changes the board.

Simeone will prepare an intense, physical match with maximum pressure. With less threat on the outside, Atlético can adjust its lines and be more aggressive in winning the ball back. For Barça it will be a test of character; for Atlético, an opportunity it doesn’t want to waste, because on nights like this, chances don’t come twice.