As a result of the injury sustained by Raphinha to his thigh during Barcelona’s match against Sevilla the other night, the Catalan club will be without one of its most important attackers for the foreseeable future.
The 26-year-old had been in fantastic shape previous to his injury, and his absence will be felt, particularly when crucial matches are coming up against teams like FC Porto, Athletic Club, and Shakhtar Donetsk.
In order for Raphinha to make a comeback in time for the Clasico matchup against Real Madrid in late October, he will miss the club’s next four games across all competitions. This is because the plan calls for him to play in the match.
The loss of Raphinha will be a setback, but Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez will have enough options to compensate for it over the next month. Mundo Deportivo has identified the four options that Hernandez will have available to him as a replacement.
The name Lamine Yamal
Despite being only 16 years old, Lamine Yamal has already made a huge effect in the early parts of the campaign and is increasing in stature in Xavi’s system at Barcelona. He has been called the breakthrough prospect of the season.
After being held out of the starting lineup for the team’s last three matches, he was inserted back into the lineup against Sevilla and immediately had an impact, which resulted in Sergio Ramos scoring an own goal. And because Raphinha isn’t around, it’s likely that his role will expand.
Ferran Torres has the ball.
Another player who has gotten off to a strong start in the 2023/24 season, Torres’ turnaround has been incredible, especially when one considers the fact that it was speculated that he might leave Barcelona during the summer transfer window.
Although he is not a starter on a consistent basis, the 23-year-old has made a significant contribution almost every time he has entered the game as a replacement. And despite the fact that Xavi has a tendency to deploy him on the left flank or as a backup No. 9, Torres has always stated that he likes playing on the right side of the field, and he might get a chance to do so if Raphinha is unable to participate.
Xavi might find a replacement for Raphinha with the assistance of Yamal, Lopez, and Cancelo. (Image by PAU BARRENA/AFP and made available here courtesy of Getty Images))
This is Fermin Lopez.
Fermin Lopez, who came on as a substitute for the injured Raphinha in Friday’s match against Sevilla, played an outstanding game last night. which followed the scoring of his game-winning goal against Mallorca. As a result, he may try to lobby for a more significant engagement in the following weeks.
In light of Xavi’s propensity to play with an additional midfielder on the flank in the role of a pseudo-winger, Lopez might be viewed as a possibility for the manager to revert to that formation. The head coach has complete faith in the star player from La Masia, and the fact that the team has been hit with injuries could work to the player’s advantage.
The name Joao Cancelo
A pick that comes out of left field, perhaps, but one that Xavi could absolutely use given Joao Cancelo’s extensive experience and adaptability, as well as the impact he has already made since joining the club this past summer. Xavi’s decision to use Joao Cancelo comes as a result of the impact he has already made since joining the club.
Cancelo has the versatility to play either the position of a traditional winger on the right flank or the position of an inside midfielder after being moved inside from the wing.