Just when it seemed that Raphinha was on the verge of making his long-awaited return, FC Barcelona have suffered an unexpected setback. The Brazilian winger was a notable absentee from Friday’s training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, only 48 hours before the highly anticipated El Clásico clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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The absence of Raphinha — who had appeared to fully recover and even completed two previous sessions with the squad — has raised fresh doubts about his availability for Sunday’s blockbuster encounter. The Brazilian’s non-appearance came as a surprise to both club officials and supporters, especially after earlier reports suggested he was close to receiving medical clearance.
Raphinha’s Setback Raises Fresh Doubts
Raphinha’s latest setback has created a sense of uncertainty within Barcelona’s camp. The forward had been training well, showing sharpness and intensity that impressed manager Hansi Flick and the medical staff. His return was seen as a crucial boost for Barcelona’s attack, especially with Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Gavi all unavailable due to injuries.
Although the exact reason for Raphinha’s withdrawal has not been officially confirmed, the timing — just two days before facing Real Madrid — strongly suggests that his recovery has not gone as smoothly as expected. Missing such a key training session so close to the match usually signals either discomfort or a precautionary measure to prevent aggravation of a minor issue.
The Brazilian’s absence is significant. His pace, direct dribbling, and ability to stretch defenses have been instrumental to Barcelona’s attacking rhythm. Raphinha’s performances in past Clásicos have shown he can be a game-changer, providing width and unpredictability that often trouble Real Madrid’s full-backs. Losing him again would mean Flick must rely on Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres to carry the creative burden on the flanks.
Koundé’s Fitness Still in Question
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Barcelona’s injury concerns extend beyond the attack. In defense, Jules Koundé remains a major doubt after missing a second consecutive training session. The French center-back, who has been managing a knock picked up last week, was again restricted to indoor gym work on Friday.
While club sources have maintained that Koundé’s absence is precautionary, his continued lack of involvement in full team training raises real doubts about his match readiness. Missing two key sessions before a fixture as demanding as El Clásico makes his inclusion in the starting XI increasingly uncertain.
Should Koundé fail to recover in time, Flick may be forced to turn to Andreas Christensen or Ronald Araújo to anchor the defense, with Pau Cubarsí also an option. However, such reshuffling would again highlight the instability in Barcelona’s backline this season — an issue that Real Madrid’s attack, led by Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, will be eager to exploit.
Frenkie de Jong Returns to Boost the Midfield
Amid the injury concerns, there was at least one positive development for Barcelona. Frenkie de Jong returned to group training after recovering from a short bout of gastroenteritis. The Dutch midfielder participated fully with his teammates and is expected to be available for selection against Real Madrid.
De Jong’s return comes at an important time for the Catalans, offering stability and composure in midfield. His ability to dictate tempo, carry the ball through pressure, and link play with Pedri could prove vital in a match where Barcelona are expected to be under heavy pressure, especially away from home.
Flick Faces Tactical Headaches
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick now faces major tactical questions as he prepares for his first El Clásico since taking charge. With both Raphinha and Koundé uncertain, the German coach may have to rethink his formation and selection strategy.
Without Raphinha, Flick could opt for a narrower front three, potentially deploying Lamine Yamal on the right and João Félix or Ferran Torres on the opposite flank. Defensively, if Koundé is ruled out, Araújo could move centrally, with Sergi Roberto or Héctor Fort filling in at right-back.
The absence of two key players so close to the game adds further complexity to a fixture already rich in narrative and pressure. Facing a confident Real Madrid side at the Bernabéu, Barcelona’s depth and adaptability will be tested to the fullest.
Kick-Off Details
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona
- Competition: La Liga, Matchday 10
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Kick-off: 16:15 BST / 17:15 CET
Despite the uncertainty, Barcelona will travel to Madrid determined to prove they can overcome adversity. But with Raphinha and Koundé’s participation now in serious doubt, Flick’s team could be heading into El Clásico without two of their most reliable performers — a daunting challenge in one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
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