Barça's Rafinha Dilemma: Will He Make the Cup Semi Against Atlético?
9 February 2026
Rafinha's status ahead of the semifinal
Straight talk fuels worry
Speculation runs inside Barcelona about Rafinha's involvement in Thursday's match against Atlético Madrid, the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Rafinha missed Barcelona in the Cup clash with Alavés, then again in the previous league match against Mallorca.
And the Brazilian star did not take part in yesterday's recovery session with the squad, per medical instructions.
Coach Flick's cautious approach
But it seems there's no guarantee he'll be ready to start on Thursday, and reporters pressed him late Monday; Sport quoted: 'I'm better, but not completely'.
He added: 'We will monitor him day by day. There are options to reach readiness by Thursday, but I don't know yet. If I'm fine, I'll play, but we'll wait'.
Coach Flick, Barcelona's manager, is eager to include Rafinha but won't risk a relapse.
The coach has already voiced his frustration at another absence of his key man due to injury again this season against Mallorca, despite a 3-0 win.
Punchline 1: Rafinha in, drama out—mostly.
Punchline 2: If he plays, Barça's medical team finally gets a vacation.
