Barcelona’s Raphinha has been ruled out of El Clasico against Real Madrid

Barcelona will face La Liga leaders Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu without Brazilian striker Raphinha, assistant coach Marcus Sorg confirmed on Saturday, as the Catalan side struggle with an extensive injury list.

The 28-year-old Raphinha, who has not yet 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 ten players sidelined since August, Barcelona’s injury crisis has left the squad severely depleted ahead of one of the most crucial games 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 team training on Saturday.

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«Any team would miss Raphinha, but the situation is what it is. He is injured,» Sorg told a news conference. «We will see if Ferran (Torres) starts, we will decide that tomorrow. Jules Kounde also trained this morning and can play. I still have no idea about the starting eleven.»

Torres left the Spanish camp early with tired leg muscles, while De Jong missed three training sessions this week due to illness. Kounde was forced off in the 6-1 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League in midweek after suffering a blow to the leg.

The injuries complicate the Catalans’ selection headache for the crucial encounter against Real Madrid, who are two points ahead of second-placed Barcelona 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 referee decisions in the final minutes of the match.

Published on October 25, 2025