Flick Rules Raphinha Out of Barcelona Matches and Backs Jesus

Barcelona will be without Raphinha for their La Liga visit to Getafe and their upcoming Champions League meeting with Galatasaray after the Brazilian reported pain in his right leg. Manager Hansi Flick confirmed the winger's absence, explaining that the club wants to protect him from another injury setback following a series of fitness problems.

According to remarks reported by Sport, Raphinha missed Barcelona's final team training session before the Getafe fixture. He arrived on the pitch before his teammates and completed individual work instead of joining the group's drills.

Flick said the injury was not serious but emphasized the importance of managing the player's condition carefully.

"Raphinha's injury is not serious, however it must be taken into account, because he has suffered many injuries, and we must take care of him," Flick said. "He will not be available tomorrow nor against Galatasaray."

The coach also addressed concerns about how Raphinha's absence could affect Barcelona's pressing system. Flick said he had seen encouraging signs during training, with the team responding effectively after losing possession.

"Raphinha's importance in the pressing, can his absence have an impact?" Flick noted. "Today in training I saw some good things regarding the pressing. They pressed well when they lost the ball, and that is part of our mentality."

Flick defended Raphinha's commitment to Brazil's national team when asked about the player's approach during international duty. He said the winger consistently gives his best when representing his country.

"Everyone wishes to play for their country's national team. That is Raphinha's mentality. He always gives his utmost," Flick said.

The Barcelona manager then questioned the demands placed on players traveling long distances for international friendlies, referring to Brazil's plans to play in Australia. His comments indirectly challenged Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti over the physical burden such trips can create.

"We have to think carefully about whether it is necessary for him to play in Australia, and to travel thousands of kilometres," Flick explained. "It is unbelievable. They have to choose the friendly matches, and this is not possible in Europe because of the European Nations League."

Flick compared the current international schedule with his experience working with Germany's national team, recalling that longer overseas trips were previously possible when teams had multiple friendlies arranged together.

"When I was with the German national team, we had the option of going to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, but that was because there were two or three friendly matches," he continued. "Now it has become impossible. That is normal."

He also highlighted the wider strain on players caused by crowded schedules and limited opportunities to rotate squads. According to Flick, the lack of available matches for testing alternatives makes it harder to rest players who accumulate substantial playing time.

"There is great pressure on the players. They do not have matches to see other players and to give rest to those who play more minutes. That is the situation, and we cannot change the schedules," he added.

Flick praised Spain's national team for its performances and management of playing time, describing his relationship with the team as positive.

"I like what I see when I follow the Spanish national team, whether in terms of performance or how the playing minutes are distributed," he added. "The relationship between us is very good. Spain is the best national team in the world, and I like watching it play."

With Raphinha unavailable, Gabriel Jesus is a candidate to start against Getafe. Flick indicated that the forward's recent improvement and compatibility with Barcelona's playing style have strengthened his case for a place in the lineup.

"Does Jesus start? That is the idea, he has improved a lot, and he fits our style," Flick said. "He is performing very well, I like him, and he is ready."