Barça on edge: Will Rafinha be fit for the Copa del Rey semi against Atlético Madrid?
9 February 2026
Rafinha's fitness update and Barça's cautious plans
Barça's presidential race dominates the headlines today, but the dressing room stays busy, with players given a rest day.
According to Marca, the club remains optimistic yet cautious about Rafinha's recovery. The initial plan is for the Brazilian to rejoin the squad tomorrow and be fit enough to travel to Madrid.
Barça announced earlier this month that Rafinha is dealing with a right inner thigh strain. The Leeds United alumnus missed the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Alavés and the league game against Mallorca due to the issue.
Barça estimated a one-week recovery, and all signs point toward that timeline.
The club is weighing a plan for him to join training on Tuesday, given the team’s rest day today; the plan is provisional and will depend on Rafinha's health.
Officials are also considering Rafinha’s travel to Madrid if he improves, so he could join the squad for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
The return pace will be decided by his condition, but everyone agrees there should be no rush, given past injuries that kept him out of 12 Barça games this season. Even Hans Flick recently admitted concerns about the injury history.
Key dates: the cup clash is set for Thursday, and the plan would see Rafinha travel if healthy.
The piece also references the risk of further injuries this season.
Fans hope this means a tighter lineup and a more exciting cup run.
Punchline 1: If Rafinha returns on time, Barça will finally have a winger who can outrun the clock and the coffee breaks.
Punchline 2: If injuries were a TV show, Rafinha's comeback would be the season finale—drama, suspense, and the fans begging for reruns.
