Barcelona will face La Liga leader Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu without its Brazil forward Raphinha, assistant coach Marcus Sorg confirmed on Saturday, as the Catalan side grapples with an extensive injury list.
The 28-year-old Raphinha, who has not recovered from a leg muscle injury, joins a host of high-profile absentees, including Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi and goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
With 10 players sidelined since August, Barca’s injury crisis has left its squad severely depleted ahead of one of the most crucial fixtures of the season.
Despite Raphinha’s setback, the Spanish champion remains optimistic that it can count on key players Ferran Torres, Joules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Frenkie De Jong, who all took part in Saturday’s team practice.
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“Any team would miss Raphinha, but the situation is what it is. He is injured,” Sorg told a press conference. “We’ll see if Ferran (Torres) starts, we’ll decide tomorrow. Jules Kounde also trained this morning and may play. I still have no idea about the starting eleven.”
Torres left Spain’s camp early with leg muscle fatigue, while De Jong missed three training sessions this week due to a illness. Kounde was forced out of the 6-1 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League in midweek after a blow to the leg.
The injuries further complicate the Catalans’ selection headaches for the crucial encounter against Real Madrid, which sits two points ahead of second-placed Barca after eight games.
Sorg will take charge on Sunday with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick suspended after being shown a red card during the 2-1 win over Girona in La Liga on October 18 for allegedly protesting against refereeing decisions in the dying minutes of the match.
Published on Oct 25, 2025