Barcelona return to the familiar bowl of the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday with an unwelcome decision at centre-forward, as Raphinha’s right-thigh problem looks set to keep LaLiga’s leading scorer out against Getafe.
The Brazilian again trained apart from the main group on Thursday, his second successive day away from full preparations after arriving back from international duty with an oedema suffered during Brazil’s second match in Australia. Neither the medical department nor Hansi Flick’s coaching staff intend to take a chance, while Raphinha himself has learned from earlier setbacks that a return should wait until he is fully fit.
That leaves his involvement in the 18:30 meeting with Getafe virtually ruled out. It is a considerable absence for Barcelona: Raphinha has struck 12 times in LaLiga and has 14 goals across eight appearances in all competitions, including the Champions League encounter with Feyenoord.
Flick weighs three routes forward
Gabriel Jesus appears the most natural replacement. The Brazil forward did not feature in Carlo Ancelotti’s latest international squad, so returns without the physical demands faced by many of his team-mates. He has made an immediate impact in limited minutes for Barcelona, scoring twice in only 41 minutes spread across four appearances.
His first came in the 7-2 defeat of Racing de Santander at Camp Nou, before he completed the scoring in the 5-1 Champions League opening win over Feyenoord after coming on for just seven minutes. With Raphinha unavailable, he offers Flick a direct specialist option through the middle.
Anthony Gordon is another possibility, despite being used mainly on the left wing by the Barcelona coach. The former Newcastle player arrives in exceptional form after scoring in each of his last four England appearances, and his start to the campaign has been the strongest of his career. His mobility and confidence could make him a more fluid solution at centre-forward.
Dani Olmo completes the group of candidates. The Spain international is yet to score for Barcelona this season, but has supplied three assists in eight outings. He also created three goals in three Nations League matches for Spain during the recent break, giving Flick an in-form creative alternative if he prefers a forward line built around movement rather than a conventional No. 9.
Flick may offer a clearer indication when he faces the media on Friday at 13:00, before Barcelona welcome Getafe with their Brazilian captain expected to watch rather than lead the line.
