The fact that Raphinha is back provides Barcelona with a significant boost before their critical game in LaLiga against Girona as the team head coach, Hansi-Dieter Flick, has confirmed that the Brazilian winger is fit and can be installed back into the team.
On Monday, Barcelona travel to Montilivi with a possible win that would elevate them one step above the LaLiga top that would depend on the performance of Real Madrid. Raphinha is set to make a comeback after a tough season that has seen him suffer a big 4-0 loss in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey, and the time of his recovery would be crucial in the championship.
Raphinha Back Return by Hansi Flick.
Hansi-Dieter Flick, speaking at his pre-match press conference, has confirmed that Raphinha has healed of his thigh/adductor injury that saw him miss the last three matches.
Rashford is disqualified, when he is superior. Raphinha can play,” Flick said.
The Brazilian winger missed important matches in all competitions, such as the loss of semi-final of the Copa del Rey against Atletico Madrid. His absence was also experienced especially in attacking transitions and wide penetration.
As Flick emphasized, Raphinha is an important player to the team:
- He amplifies the action and intensity of training.
- He brings rhythm in the Barcelona attack play.
- His presence also modifies the level of performance of the team.
Flick has also been quoted saying that Raphinha was among the best players in the world last season and the coach showed his trust in him and his player.
Barcelona Injury News: Rashford Remains Out.
The Raphinha return is a good news, but his injury list is a concern to Barcelona.
Marcus Rhasford is still out with a knee problem. Though Flick claimed that the forward is doing better, he will not play against Girona.
Moreover, Pedri, Gavi and Andreas Christensen are also unavailable and this leaves Flick without much choice but to handle his squad with a lot of care in a hectic time.
The lack of serviceable midfield and defensive players further gives more priority to the return of Raphinha, especially when it comes to delivering attacking service and balance.
Strategic Effect of Raphinha Back.
The tactical orientation in Barcelona, under Flick, is based on the high intensity, pressing, and lateral attacking. The profile of Raphinha automatically enters that arrangement.
In his absence, Barcelona have not been able to keep up width and sustained penetration in recent games. The 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid revealed the failures in the defensive transition as well as attacking sharpness.
Barcelona recover: with Raphinha back.
- Direct flanking dribbling.
- Wide area high pressing.
- Faster speed in the attacking phases.
- Improved interconnection of midfield and forward lines.
Flick has underscored the fact that Barcelona have better results when Raphinha is on the side. His stretching capacity and introducing speed in transitions is important particularly in close LaLiga games.
Barcelo, in the match against Girona, who will be playing at the middle of the table and will seek to provide a good competition at the Montilivi stadium, will have to use controlled possession coupled with fast wide attacks. The comeback of Raphinha may be used to break small defensive formations.
LaLiga Title Race: What is on the Line.
The championship of LaLiga is a close one. The Barcelona are at the same level or one point behind Real Madrid based on the recent performances, and winning against Girona would push them a step ahead in the top.
Such a background places a lot of pressure on the Monday game.
Following the Copa del Rey failure, Barcelona will need to act fast in order not to lose pace in the league. Flick is not in a position to afford another slip-up on its part in a bid to reclaim and take the first position.
The important goals to Barcelona are:
- Bouncing back following the Atletico loss.
- Winning 3 points in the host country.
- Asserting dominance of attack again.
- Sustaining sanity in the title race.
The Raphinha return is coming at a very significant time in that equation.
Context of the match: Girona Barcelona.
Montilivi has already demonstrated to be a competitive ground and Girona will seek to disrupt the rhythm of Barcelona. Several first-team players are yet to be available, so the squad depth will be put to the test.
Nonetheless, the goal of Barcelona is quite simple: win and rise to the top of the LaLiga.
The possible change at the top illuminates the reason behind the importance attached to this fixture that is beyond routine. It is a chance at redemption and also a chance to make a statement to the title competitors.
The Future of Barcelona.
Should Barcelona win, they become even stronger in the LaLiga championship and become more confident following the lost Copa del Reo.
The reappearance of Raphinha can also be a commencement of a more steady run in case the squad takes care of any injuries that might still be left behind.
Flick will be hoping that the energy and intensity of the winger will be directly transferred onto the field. Still without key players, the leadership and influence of experienced attackers will be even more crucial.
The title ambitions of Barcelona are still intact. The outcome of Monday with the assistance of Raphinha returning in time could carve out the further stage of their season.
