Rafinha Drops Out: Barca’s Injury Woes Go Big Before Real Sociedad Clash

Rafinha Excluded as Injury Precaution Ahead of Sociedad Clash

Barcelona boss Hans Flick has left Brazilian winger Rafinha out of the Blaugrana squad for Sunday’s La Liga visit to Real Sociedad, in the 20th round of the competition.

Rafinha is dealing with an adductor issue, plus a bruise picked up recently.

According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, the decision to omit Rafinha is precautionary to prevent the injury from worsening.

The Catalan club will also be without Gavi and Andreas Christensen for the Sociedad game due to injuries, while Dru Fernandez is reported to be close to a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The article notes that Barcelona published the full squad for the match, with the fixture set for January 18, 2026 at 21:00 local time.

Barça’s Injury Woes and Squad Updates

Barcelona’s lineup has been impacted by injuries, with key absences behind the scenes affecting preparations for this regional derby style clash.

Barcelona sits atop La Liga with 49 points, one point ahead of Real Madrid, though the Blaugrana have played one game fewer than their rivals.

The report also mentions the depth chart and the players listed for selection, underscoring the balance between safeguarding Rafinha’s health and chasing league supremacy.

La Liga Standings and Match Context

The fixture pits the league leaders against a Real Sociedad side eager to climb the table, with both teams aiming to stake a claim at the summit as the season progresses.

Punchlines: If injuries paid rent, Rafinha would own a stadium by now. And remember, Barca’s bench is so deep it needs a passport to travel—solidity, not sleepiness, on the substitute row.