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FC Barcelona Travel to Prague with Key Absences: Raphinha IN, Lamine OUT
A crucial European night and a squad shaped by important absences. Flick loses key pieces but regains an attacking option for Prague.
A squad list marked by significant absences
FC Barcelona have confirmed their squad for Wednesday’s clash against Slavia Prague, corresponding to the penultimate matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Hansi Flick’s side will travel to the Czech capital with several key absences that will influence the approach to the game.
Marc-André ter Stegen will not be involved after being granted permission by the club to finalize the final steps of his loan move to Girona until the end of the season. Lamine Yamal is also absent due to suspension, while Ferran Torres remains in Barcelona with hamstring discomfort and is expected to be sidelined for around ten days. Long-term absentees Gavi and Andreas Christensen are also unavailable.
The big news: Raphinha returns
In an otherwise challenging context, the major positive is the return of Raphinha. The Brazilian winger has recovered from the knock suffered last weekend and was rested as a precaution in the most recent LaLiga match. Flick therefore regains a key attacking weapon for a demanding European fixture.
The squad also includes Diego Kochen as third-choice goalkeeper, along with the returns of Jofre and Tommy. Young Barça Atlètic players Juan Hernández and Dani Rodríguez, both with strong attacking profiles, have also been called up.
Dani Rodríguez’s case is a special one: the winger made his first-team debut last season against Valladolid in a match where he suffered a shoulder injury that forced him off the pitch. He now returns to a European squad after scoring for Barça Atlètic in the win over Andratx.
Cancelo out due to registration rules
Another notable absence is João Cancelo. The Portuguese full-back, a winter signing for Barça, is not eligible to play in this phase of the Champions League as he is not registered. He has featured in the Copa del Rey and LaLiga since returning to the club, but his European involvement will have to wait until the knockout rounds.
A crucial match before the final round
Barça head to Prague looking to secure three vital points to consolidate their improvement in Europe ahead of the final matchday. The task will not be easy: a demanding opponent and harsh weather conditions await at the Eden Arena, a setting that will test the squad depth and adaptability of Flick’s team.
