Barcelona handed boost as Hansi Flick confirms 2 key superstars are ready to play after long absence through injury

Barcelona have been handed a double injury boost with coach Hansi Flick confirming that both Joan Garcia and Raphinha are available. Both were unavailable due to injury for a prolonged period.

Raphinha has been out since September this year due to a hamstring injury. The Brazilian, who has been out for the last 10 games, is an integral part of the Barcelona attack. Meanwhile, Joan Garcia has been the Catalans' first-choice goalkeeper since this season. The shot-stopper suffered a torn medial meniscus in September and has undergone surgery. The Spaniard is also available to return.

In the pre-match press conference ahead of facing Athletic Club in LaLiga, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick confirmed Raphinha's availability and said (via GOAL):

"The good news is that Raphinha is back, and I really appreciate what he brings to the team. We'll see tomorrow; the important thing is that he's back. He will start on the bench, though."

Flick was then asked if Joan Garcia is also ready to return, to which he responded:

"What do you think? Yes? Well, you’re right."

In Raphinha's absence, Marcus Rashford was a regular starter for Barcelona on the left wing. However, with the Brazilian now back in action, Rashford could be relegated to a secondary role. The Englishman has been impressive for the Catalan side this season, recording six goals and nine assists in 16 outings across competitions. Meanwhile, Joan Garcia was replaced by Wojciech Szczesny in the goal.

---

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick provides injury update for star midfielder Pedri

Pedri - Source: Getty

In the aforementioned pre-match press conference, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick shared an update about Pedri's recovery. The Spaniard has been out due to a muscle injury since October. Flick said (via GOAL):

"We're taking it step by step, we're not going to put any pressure on him. That wouldn't be the right thing to do. But he's doing well, he's progressing well. We're happy with how things are going, he'll be back soon. Whether he'll be back against Chelsea... I don't know yet."

After facing Athletic Club over the weekend, Barcelona will face Chelsea on November 25 in the UEFA Champions League. Pedri is likely to be unavailable for the clash against Athletic Club, but is expected to return against Chelsea.

In Pedri's absence, La Blaugrana must rely on Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, and Fermin Lopez in their midfield. Gavi is also out due to injury. Pedri is crucial to add creativity in the midfield, which the Catalans have been lacking for the last few games. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong is also in doubt, and may be employed with caution.

The clash against Athletic Club on November 22 is also significant as it will mark Barca's return to their home stadium, the Camp Nou, after two seasons at the Montjuic Stadium. The home ground reopened after renovation this month.

Edited by Pratyasha Sarkar