Rafinha Sidelined, Barça Ready for Mallorca: Injury Woes Stack Up
5 February 2026
Rafinha Sidelined Ahead of Mallorca Clash
The Brazilian Rafinha remains out of Barcelona's plans under coach German Hans Flick as part of the Catalan club's buildup for the Mallorca match, due to injury.
Barcelona returned to training on Thursday ahead of Saturday's game against Mallorca at Camp Nou, in La Liga Round 23.
Mundo Deportivo reported that Rafinha did not train with Barça because of fatigue in his right thigh.
It seems the Brazilian will be rested against Mallorca and won't return until the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, with the opponent to be decided in Friday's draw.
Rafinha missed Barça's last cup match against Alavés for this muscle issue, and Flick stressed the need for caution regarding his comeback, given previous fitness issues this season while he remains a key part of the German coach's system.
Pedri, Christensen and Gavi remain injured, with the latter close to a return in coming weeks.
February 23 marks five months since the player's surgery, but the club is not risking his return and will take maximum precautions, according to the Catalan newspaper.
Two Barça B players, Tomi Márquez and Emilio Bernár, trained with the first team ahead of Mallorca.
Looking ahead, Frenkie de Jong and Gerard Martínez are one yellow card from suspension, which could influence Flick's starting XI.
Punchline 1: If injuries were players, Barça would be hosting a never-ending talent show called “Where's Rafinha?”
Punchline 2: On the bright side, the medical staff must be working overtime—restart dates are apparently classified as top-secret cliffhangers.
