Barcelona’s preparations for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture against Girona have been overshadowed by an escalating injury crisis, with eight first-team players unavailable and key figures likely to miss next weekend’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.
Striker Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out after tearing a thigh muscle while playing for Poland on international duty, according to manager Hansi Flick. He joins a growing list of injured players that also includes goalie Marc-André ter Stegen, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, and Joan Garcia. As Barcelona looks to bounce back from back-to-back losses to Paris Saint-Germain (2–1) in the Champions League and Sevilla (4–1) in La Liga prior to the international break, the situation leaves them without more than 30% of their senior squad. The club reports that Lewandowski and Olmo (calf) are both anticipated to miss the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu next weekend, while Garcia, Ter Stegen, and Gavi are still out for the long haul after knee surgery.
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Depending on their fitness evaluations, young players Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal could play against Girona after returning to training on Wednesday. According to reports, both players are almost fully recovered from groin injuries. Ferran Torres will be rested this weekend to guarantee complete preparation for the El Clasico match after returning early from Spain duty due to leg muscle tiredness. Raphinha is the most questionable player since he has had a setback in his recuperation from a hamstring injury he received against Oviedo three weeks ago. The Brazilian winger is still uncertain about the encounter against Real Madrid and has been officially ruled out of Saturday’s game.
Prior to Sunday’s trip to Getafe, Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid are battling their own physical issues. Due to a minor calf rupture he suffered during the victory against Villarreal two weeks ago, defender Dean Huijsen may not be able to play in the El Clasico. The defensive options available to Madrid manager Xabi Alonso are limited due to the absence of Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy. Real Madrid leads La Liga with 21 points, two more than Barcelona, despite their injury problems. Atletico Madrid, in fifth place, will face Osasuna on Saturday in an attempt to move up the table, while Villarreal, in third place with 16 points, is one point ahead of Real Betis.
