Barcelona’s four options to cover for the injury-enforced absence of Raphinha – report | OneFootball

Barcelona will have to cope without one of their key attackers for the next few weeks as Raphinha suffered a thigh injury during the game against Sevilla last night.

The 26-year-old had been in good touch prior to his injury and his absence will be felt, especially with important matches against the likes of FC Porto, Athletic Club, and Shakhtar Donetsk coming up.

The idea is for Raphinha to return in time for the Clasico clash against Real Madrid in late October, and as such, he would be missing the next four games across all competitions.

While Raphinha’s absence will be a blow, Xavi Hernandez has enough options to cope with it over the next month, with Mundo Deportivo pointing the four choices that the Barcelona manager will have.

Lamine Yamal

The breakthrough prospect of the season, Lamine Yamal has already made a significant impact in the early parts of the campaign and is growing in stature in Xavi’s setup at Barcelona, despite being just 16 years old.

Having been shielded from the starting XI in the past few games, he returned to the team against Sevilla and made an impact, forcing the own goal from Sergio Ramos. And, in Raphinha’s absence, his role is likely to grow.

Ferran Torres

Another player who has made a fine start to the 2023/24 campaign, Torres’ turnaround so far has been great, considering that he was tipped to leave Barcelona during the summer window.

Not a regular starter, the 23-year-old has made notable impact almost in every game he has come on as a substitute. And even though Xavi has tended to use him on the left flank or as a backup No. 9, Torres has always insisted that he prefers playing on the right and could get an opportunity in Raphinha’s absence.

Yamal, Lopez, and Cancelo could help Xavi replace Raphinha. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Fermin Lopez

The man who replaced the injured Raphinha against Sevilla on Friday, Fermin Lopez had a fine game last night. which came after his crucial goal against Mallorca. As such, he could push for greater involvement in the coming weeks.

Given Xavi’s tendency to use an extra midfielder on the flank as a pseudo-winger, Lopez could be seen as an option for the manager to revert to that setup. The manager has full trust in the La Masia ace and he could benefit from the injuries that have hit the squad.

Joao Cancelo

A left-field choice perhaps, but one that Xavi could certainly utilise given Joao Cancelo’s great experience and versatility, as well as the impact he has already made since joining the club this past summer.

Cancelo could be utilised as an out-and-out winger on the right flank or be deployed to fulfil the role of an inside midfielder from the wing.