Barcelona without Rashford and Raphinha for Copa del Rey semi-final versus Atletico

Barcelona will miss their two left wingers Marcus Rashford and Raphinha in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final away to Atletico Madrid on Thursday.

Raphinha remains out due to a thigh injury while Rashford skipped training on Wednesday.

The England forward picked up a knee issue from a collision during Barcas 3-0 La Liga victory against Real Mallorca last Saturday.

Marcus cannot feature he took a blow and it hurts so we must manage it carefully Flick explained to the media on Wednesday.

I see this as bad news yet I always trust in my squad.

In tough spots like these we develop and that growth will help us tomorrow.

Flick noted that the defending Copa del Rey champions need to proceed cautiously with Raphinhas rehabilitation.

Hes someone who pours all his energy into every match at full throttle. If he senses discomfort we must protect him and perhaps ease off a bit Flick added.

Thats the current state and naturally Im unhappy about it since we rely on him.

To cover the left flank at Atleticos Metropolitano arena Flick might deploy Ferran Torres or Dani Olmo in an unfamiliar role.

The Catalan club is also dealing with extended absences of Pedri Gavi and Andreas Christensen due to injuries.

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo who took a month off for mental health reasons late in 2025 shared in an interview with Mundo Deportivo this week that he has battled anxiety and depression for the past 18 months.

Flick described the Uruguayan defender as very resilient but stressed the role of coaches in supporting players.

Hes incredibly tough so speaking out like this shows real strength at this time Flick said.

We as the staff share responsibility for the players well-being. We must care for them and hopefully opposing coaches do the same.