Left-Wing Woes! Raphinha, Rashford Out Of Barca's Copa Del Rey Semis First-Leg Against Atleti

Barcelona will be missing both of their left wingers, Marcus Rashford and Raphinha, for the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.

Raphinha is still recovering from a thigh strain, while Rashford did not train on Wednesday. The England international is dealing with a knee problem after receiving a knock during Barca’s 3-0 win over Real Mallorca on Saturday in La Liga.

“Marcus is not able to play; he got a hit, and it’s painful, so we have to take care of this,” Flick told reporters on Wednesday.

“I think this is not good news, but in the end, I believe in my team always. When the situation is not easy, we grow, and this is necessary for tomorrow.”

Flick mentioned that the Copa del Rey holders must proceed “step by

step” with Raphinha’s recovery.

“He’s a player who always gives everything, always playing at high intensity in the game. And when you feel something, we have to take care and maybe go one step back,” said Flick.

“This is the current situation. And of course, I’m not happy with it because we need him.”

Flick may use Ferran Torres or Dani Olmo out of position on the left wing to cover at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium.

The Catalan giants also have Pedri, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen out with longer-term injuries.

Barca defender Ronald Araujo, who took a month-long mental health break towards the end of 2025, admitted in an interview with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo this week that he has been suffering from anxiety and depression over the last 18 months.

Flick said the Uruguayan centre-back was “very strong,” but emphasised that it is also the coaches’ responsibility to look after the players.

“He is very strong, so to be open about this means you have to be strong in this moment,” said Flick.

“It’s all about us who are responsible for the players. We have to take care of them, and maybe the opposition’s coaches should do the same.”

(With Inputs From Agencies)