Who Will Replace Raphinha Against Getafe?

Raphinha remains sidelined as Barça avoid taking risks

Raphinha is looking increasingly unlikely to face Getafe. The Brazilian trained away from the group for a second straight day as he continues to deal with swelling in his right thigh, and the coaching staff have no intention of rushing him back before he is fully fit.

The potential absence comes at a particularly difficult time for Barça. Raphinha has scored 12 LaLiga goals and 14 in eight matches across all competitions, establishing himself as the team's main attacking reference during a sensational start to the season.

His absence would force Barcelona to find a new option through the middle, with three players offering very different solutions.

Gabriel Jesus looks like the natural choice

The most straightforward option is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian returns fresh after not being called up by Brazil during the international break and has made excellent use of his limited minutes since joining Barça.

Jesus has scored two goals in just 41 minutes across four appearances. He opened his account against Racing Santander before finding the net again against Feyenoord in the Champions League, needing only seven minutes on the field to score.

His profile would also require the fewest tactical adjustments. Jesus is the player most comfortable operating as a traditional center forward, allowing Flick to keep a similar attacking structure without reshuffling the entire front line.

Gordon's form is becoming impossible to ignore

Another possibility is Anthony Gordon. Flick has mainly used the Englishman on the left wing, but his outstanding international form makes him a genuine candidate for a more central role.

Gordon has scored in each of his last four matches for England and is enjoying one of his best runs since arriving at Barça. His pace and movement would give the attack a completely different dimension from Gabriel Jesus, particularly when attacking space behind the defense.

Moving him inside would mean taking one of the team's most effective weapons away from the wing, but it would also allow Barça to maintain plenty of speed across the front line.

Olmo offers a false-nine alternative

Dani Olmo gives Flick a more tactical option. The Spain international has yet to score for Barça this season, but he has already provided three assists in eight appearances and added another three for Spain during the Nations League break.

Using Olmo as a false nine would allow Hansi Flick to create a much more fluid attack, with no fixed center forward and greater movement between the lines. It would be the biggest departure from the Gabriel Jesus option, but could also open spaces for the wingers to attack from wide areas.

The final decision will depend both on the game plan and Raphinha's fitness, although all signs point toward the German coach preparing to play without his leading scorer.

Flick will have the final say

Friday's press conference could provide the final clue. Barça host Getafe at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, with the priority remaining clear: there is little reason to take unnecessary risks with Raphinha as the schedule begins to intensify.

Gabriel Jesus offers the most natural solution, Gordon brings greater verticality and Olmo could completely change the interpretation of the role. Three very different options for replacing a player whose production and form will not be easy to replicate.

Key Points

• Raphinha remains away from full team training with swelling in his right thigh.
• Gabriel Jesus, Anthony Gordon and Dani Olmo are the leading options to replace him.
• Flick could provide more clarity during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Getafe clash.

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