Why Raphinha is not in Barcelona’s XI to face Girona | OneFootball

An explanation for the absence of Raphinha from the latest XI of players chosen by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has been forthcoming online.

Barcelona are of course primed to return to action in short order.

Fresh off putting Osasuna to the sword in their post-international break return in midweek, the Blaugrana have welcomed Catalan rivals Girona to Montjuïc, for a La Liga clash.

Amid a crucial upcoming stretch of fixtures for his side, Hansi Flick has opted to ring the changes for the evening, with the likes of Eric García and Gerard Martín stepping back into starting roles.

Forced to make do with a spot on the bench, on the other hand, is the aforementioned Raphinha.

A near ever-present in Barca’s XI across the season to date, those wondering as to the reasoning for as much have in turn been afforded an explanation.

As per Blaugrana insider Javier Miguel of Diario AS:

‘Flick saw that Raphinha was still tired from the national team and the overseas trip and decided to leave him on the bench. He spoke with the Brazilian beforehand to explain his substitution.’

Conor Laird – GSFN