Barcelona assess six alternatives as Raphinha injury puts Getafe game in doubt

Barcelona are waiting for further tests on Raphinha before deciding whether the Brazil winger can face Getafe on 10 October, with head coach Hansi Flick considering six alternative plans that include young forward Hamza Abdelkarim.

Raphinha has been released from Brazil’s squad after suffering an injury to his right thigh muscle. He left the team’s training camp in Brisbane before Brazil travelled to Kolkata for a friendly against India, and returned to Barcelona to continue his treatment and recovery programme ahead of the resumption of competitive football.

The Brazilian Football Confederation said the decision to withdraw him was taken “for precautionary reasons” following initial medical examinations. Raphinha is due to undergo further tests after arriving at Barcelona’s training ground.

Barcelona hope the problem proves to be no more than swelling, which would give Raphinha a chance of recovering in time for the meeting with Getafe. The club must also decide whether it is worth risking him, even if he is declared fit.

The 14 goals and three assists Raphinha has produced this season underline his importance to Flick. He has made a decisive contribution in seven of Barcelona’s eight official matches and has become a key part of the team since the campaign began.

If Raphinha is unavailable, or Flick chooses to rest him, Gabriel Jesus is expected to be among the leading candidates to replace him. Barcelona signed the forward from Arsenal for 10m euros after being unable to complete a deal for Julian Alvarez.

Jesus has appeared in four of Barcelona’s five official matches but has not started any of them. Despite playing only 39 minutes, he has scored twice, against Racing and Feyenoord.

Flick had previously considered using Anthony Gordon as a central striker before Jesus arrived. Karim Adeyemi was also assessed for the role, although the German forward subsequently fell out of contention after Flick was not convinced by the idea of playing him there.

Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez provide two further possibilities. Neither is a recognised centre-forward, but both can operate in the position when Barcelona need greater movement and pressure in attack. Their ability to make runs without the ball, press opponents and arrive in the penalty area means they can fulfil the role in certain situations.

Hamza Abdelkarim is another option under consideration, although his first-team experience remains limited. According to Mundo Deportivo, the young Barcelona forward has played only four minutes for the senior side so far.

The final possibility is Lamine Yamal, though he is currently considered less likely than the other alternatives. The Spain international prefers to start from the right wing and take on defenders, but Flick has previously examined the prospect of using him in a deeper position.