FC Barcelona, heavily beaten by Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, is going through a tough time. Yet, within the locker room, hope is rising again: the Catalan club is set to welcome back three key players who could reignite their momentum.
Football moves fast, sometimes too fast. Just a few weeks ago, Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona seemed untouchable, riding high on an impressive streak of 17 wins in 18 matches. But after the humiliation at the Metropolitano (4-0), the euphoria quickly gave way to doubt. Even after winning the Super Cup, the locker room had to absorb a harsh reprimand from the coach following the Madrid disaster.
To turn things around, salvation could come from the treatment room. Raphinha, a true lung and leader of Flick’s eleven, is back, reports AS. Absent during the disaster against the Colchoneros, the Brazilian has already resumed part of team training and, barring any last-minute surprises, should be in the squad for the derby against Girona FC tomorrow.
Pedri and Raphinha, keys to revival
More than just a winger, Raphinha brings aggression and a sense of sacrifice, qualities that were sorely missed against Atlético Madrid’s intensity. But FC Barcelona’s rebuilding doesn’t stop there: to regain their attacking fluidity, the Catalan club is eagerly awaiting the return of their metronome, Pedri, for the match against Levante UD on February 22, a highly anticipated comeback.
The attacking line will also regain some punch with Marcus Rashford. Rested as a precaution for his knee during the match against Atlético, the Englishman is expected to rejoin the rotation next week. His top speed and set-piece quality provide Hansi Flick with immediate tactical options, without disrupting the positioning of Olmo or Fermín.
With these three major reinforcements and the gradual return of Gavi, who is slowly getting back into the groove, Barcelona hopes to pull off a real miracle: overturning Atlético in the return match scheduled for March 3.
