Raphinha's Hamstring Hell: Flick Grants Brazil Break as Rashford Eyes Atleti Spotlight Amid Ref Row
Barcelona's Raphinha has been given time off in Brazil to recover mentally from his recurring hamstring injury, missing key Atletico Madrid games, with Marcus Rashford poised for a big chance. Atletico raged over a controversial VAR red-card reversal in their recent 2-1 loss to Barca, lodging complaints. Other Barca stars return from knocks, but Frenkie de Jong's sidelined for the Champions League first leg.
Raphinha's Rough Ride and a Trip Home
Picture this: you're Raphinha, flying high for Barcelona, then bam – your pesky right hamstring goes pop during Brazil's loss to France. Third time this season it's betrayed him, sidelining the 29-year-old for five weeks. That's a trilogy of Atlético Madrid clashes out the window, including the Champions League quarters. Gutting timing, right?
Hansi Flick, ever the thoughtful gaffer, hopped on FaceTime post-match and clocked the winger's devastation. Teaming up with sporting director Deco, they green-lit a mental health break back in Brazil with the family. "He's in good hands, can clear his head and return fresh," Flick explained ahead of Saturday's LaLiga trip to the Wanda Metropolitano. As Sam Marsden reported for ESPN Spain, it's a savvy move – no point rushing a bloke who's already missed 16 games to this curse.
Raphinha might just sneak back for the Clásico against Real Madrid on May 10 at Spotify Camp Nou, but for now, Barca need a stand-in.
Rashford's Moment to Shine?
Enter Marcus Rashford, the loanee from Manchester United who's been twiddling thumbs lately. With 10 goals and 13 assists in 39 games this term, he's got the chops, but injuries and Raphinha's form kept him on the bench bar one start in the last 10.
Flick's chuffed: "He's performed well, now's his chance to remind us why we might splash €30m to keep him permanent." Fresh off England duty, Rashy could start at the Metropolitano. But competition's fierce – Fermín López or a rampant Gavi could slot in too. Flick grinned: "We've options aplenty."
It's like Rashford's auditioning for the full-time gig over a pint – impress against Atleti, and summer could get spicy.
Atleti Fume Over Ref Flip-Flop
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid are spitting feathers after their 2-1 LaLiga defeat to Barca on Saturday. Early second-half drama: Gerard Martin sees red for a lunge on Thiago Almada, only for VAR to downgrade it to yellow. Atleti, already down to 10 after halftime (their own man sent off), are livid.
CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin didn't hold back, per Diario AS. "Images and audios from the Federation? Shameful. VAR shouldn't override the ref on intent – that's for the man on the pitch." He slammed inconsistent criteria, citing the CTA's own example of Real Betis' Valentin Gomez warranting red in a near-identical tackle. Atleti lodged a formal complaint; expect fireworks.
Ref Mateo Busquets Ferrer had the initial call right, they argue – VAR overstepped, and it's happened twice lately. No wonder Simeone's lot are raging.
Injury Boosts, de Jong Delay, and Triple Threat Ahead
Good news on the Barca physio front: Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde, and Eric García are fit for Atleti duty. Bad news? Frenkie de Jong's comeback slips – no training till next week, per sources close to the club, ruling him out of Wednesday's Champions League first leg at home.
Blaugrana top LaLiga by four points over Madrid, Atleti lurking fourth, 16 adrift. This week's madness: LaLiga at the Metropolitano (Sat), then Champo quarters home (Wed) and away (next Tue). Winners face Arsenal or Sporting in semis.
Flick's squad depth tested, Rashford raring, Atleti seething – grab the popcorn, lads. It's set to be a proper derby ding-dong.