Barcelona Manager Hansi Flick Disappointed Over Raphinha Thigh Injury

Barcelona will miss their winger Raphinha in the Copa del Rey match against second division side Albacete on Tuesday due to a thigh strain, and manager Hansi Flick indicated that adjustments must be made to the Brazilians training routine.

The injury Raphinha picked up during Saturdays La Liga victory against Elche should sideline him for just one week, yet Flick expressed clear frustration over the matter.

Earlier this season the winger was sidelined for two months with a hamstring problem, and he remains a vital asset for the Spanish title holders.

"Frankly I am not pleased about this at all, as he is an essential team member," Flick stated during Mondays press briefing.

"We need to determine what needs altering on our end and what he might adjust himself. Discussions on that will happen soon since it matters greatly.

"This stage of the campaign is crucial, so we require all players fit and ready, and his absence hurts us."

Barcelona remain unbeaten in any fixture this term where Raphinha has begun in the starting lineup.

In the prior round of the tournament Albacete overcame Real Madrid, a result that did not catch Flick off guard.

"That is precisely why cup ties are so appealing, with occasional surprises in outcomes," the manager remarked.

"Naturally it unfolds that way they risk nothing and simply aim for victory."

Spanish media outlets report that German keeper Marc Andre ter Stegen, currently loaned to Girona, has incurred a hamstring injury potentially ruling him out for two months.

"I have not talked to him yet but I feel bad for the lad, though we await the medical assessment to understand the full picture," Flick supplemented.

Ter Stegen has featured in two outings for Girona since his January move there through seasons end.