Barcelona’s injury woes continue to mount as key players Raphinha and Joan García are sidelined for weeks, while Marcus Rashford is currently unavailable, impacting the team’s preparations for upcoming fixtures. The club confirmed a hamstring injury for Raphinha, expected to keep him out for approximately three weeks, and a knee injury requiring surgery for goalkeeper García, with a recovery timeline of four to six weeks.
Raphinha’s absence is particularly felt as he sustained the injury to the middle third of the biceps femoris in his right thigh. This will see him miss crucial matches against Real Sociedad, Paris Saint-Germain, and Girona. The club statement, released on September 26, 2025, confirmed the expected duration of his recovery. Barcelona will be relying on other attacking options during his absence, including the recently acquired Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji.
The situation with Rashford is more immediate. He was ruled out of the Copa del Rey clash against Atlético Madrid due to knee discomfort picked up in a match against RCD Mallorca. While the issue isn’t considered serious, Barcelona opted for a precautionary approach, preventing him from participating in the semi-final first leg in Madrid. However, sources close to Rashford indicate he is expected to be available for the La Liga clash against Girona. He reportedly worked separately in the gym on the morning of February 11, 2026, ahead of the trip to Madrid.
Goalkeeper Joan García’s injury is a significant setback for the team. He will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is projected to be out for four to six weeks. This leaves Barcelona short-handed in the goalkeeping position, adding to the challenges faced by manager Hansi Flick.
Flick addressed the injury situation, stating, “It’s not good news,” regarding both Rashford, and Raphinha. The coach is carefully managing the squad, prioritizing player health amidst a demanding schedule. The decision to rest Rashford against Atlético Madrid underscores this cautious approach.
The timing of these injuries is particularly challenging for Barcelona. The team is navigating a busy period with commitments in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League (facing Paris Saint-Germain). The loss of Raphinha, a key attacking threat, will require adjustments to the team’s tactical approach. Rashford’s potential return for the Girona match offers a glimmer of hope, but his availability will be closely monitored.
Barcelona confirmed Rashford’s absence for the trip to Madrid, but emphasized the decision was a precaution rather than a result of a severe injury. The club is confident he will be fit to participate in the league fixture against Girona. The plan is for him to resume normal training with the group on Friday during a recovery session.
The injuries to Raphinha and García, coupled with Rashford’s temporary absence, highlight the importance of squad depth. Barcelona invested in players like Rashford and Bardghji during the summer transfer window to provide cover and competition for places. Their contributions will be crucial in navigating this challenging period.
The Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid presents a significant hurdle for Barcelona without Rashford. The team will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by the injured forward. The first leg in Madrid will be a stern test of Barcelona’s resilience and tactical flexibility.
Looking ahead, Barcelona will be hoping for swift recoveries for Raphinha and García. Their return will bolster the squad and provide Flick with more options. Rashford’s expected availability for the Girona match is a positive development, but the team will need to manage his workload carefully to prevent a recurrence of his knee discomfort.
The situation underscores the physical demands of modern football and the importance of proactive injury prevention strategies. Barcelona’s medical team will be working diligently to ensure that the injured players receive the best possible care and return to action as quickly and safely as possible.
With a crucial stretch of games on the horizon, Barcelona will need to demonstrate both tactical adaptability and mental fortitude to overcome these challenges. The team’s ability to navigate this injury crisis will be a key factor in determining their success in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.
