Flick Rules Out Raphinha for Barcelona Matches

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed Raphinha will miss the La Liga trip to Getafe and the Champions League match against Galatasaray after the Brazilian forward experienced pain in his right leg. Flick said the decision was made to avoid a further setback.

According to Sport newspaper, Flick explained that Barcelona are managing Raphinha's condition carefully because of his previous injury history. The player skipped the team's final training session before the Getafe match and worked separately on the pitch.

"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, Barcelona's manager.

Flick also confirmed that Raphinha will not feature in either of Barcelona's upcoming matches. The Brazilian's absence affects a player who has been important in the team's pressing approach.

"He will not be available tomorrow nor against Galatasaray," Flick said, Barcelona's manager.

During his press conference, Flick discussed how Barcelona can maintain their defensive pressure without Raphinha. He highlighted the work shown by the squad in training before the Getafe fixture.

"Raphinha's importance in the pressing, can his absence have an impact?" Flick said, Barcelona's manager.

Flick added that the team had shown positive signs in training when responding after losing possession. He linked that effort to the mentality expected from his players.

"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 said, Barcelona's manager.

The Barcelona coach was also asked about Raphinha's international commitments with Brazil. Flick said players want to represent their countries but raised concerns about long-distance travel for friendly matches.

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

Flick then addressed the scheduling challenges facing players during the season. He compared the current situation with his previous experience with the German national team.

"We have to think carefully about whether it is necessary for him to play in Australia, and to travel thousands of kilometres," Flick said, Barcelona's manager.

Flick explained that previous international schedules allowed more flexibility because teams played multiple friendly matches together. He said current calendar limitations have made such travel more difficult.

"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," Flick said, Barcelona's manager.

Flick also spoke about the pressure on his squad, noting that limited opportunities to rotate players have become a challenge during the season.

"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," Flick said, Barcelona's manager.

The coach praised Spain's national team while discussing player management and performances. He said he follows their approach closely.

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

With Raphinha unavailable, Flick identified Gabriel Jesus as a possible starter against Getafe. He said the forward has adapted well to Barcelona's style.

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