Barcelona forward expected to miss Real Betis clash due to fatigue – report

In an interesting turn of events, Raphinha is expected to miss the game against Real Betis tomorrow due to fatigue, as per a report published by Mundo Deportivo.

The Brazilian started Barcelona’s league opener against Getafe on gameweek one, but was sent off before half-time due to violent conduct. He missed the subsequent two matches — against Cadiz and Villarreal, before making it back to the squad list against Osasuna, when he played less than ten minutes.

Raphinha did, however, travel with Brazil for their World Cup qualification games, starting both games, and playing well over 175 minutes in the process. This included a trip to and from Lima, Peru for a game that kicked off at 9 PM local time.

The tight schedule, plus a hectic travelling routine seems to have taken a toll on the 26-year-old. Previous reports stated that he was expected to start on the bench against Betis, but recent news suggests that he may not even make it to the squad list.

Starting spot slipping away from Raphinha?

After Ousmane Dembele’s exit in the summer, Raphinha was expected to be the starting right-winger for Barcelona. However, a red card on the first day of the season meant Xavi had to look for options elsewhere.

This is when the coach decided to trust 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who started three games consecutively before also making his debut for the Spanish national team.

The teenager is obviously not ready to play two games a week, but his performances have certainly raised some doubts over who should be Barcelona’s right-winger.

Who starts against Betis?

Reports had suggested that Yamal would be rotated more often now given his age and inexperience, but Raphinha’s unavailability for the Real Betis clash means he could be given the green light to start once again.

Ferran Torres and Joao Felix are also available for selection, but with Ilkay Gundogan not fully fit and Pedri sidelined, Gavi will likely start in midfield. This means both wings could be occupied by forwards in a conventional 4-3-3 instead of the box midfield Xavi has been using.

Felix is far from match sharp, and played only 30 minutes during the international break, as well.

Sergi Roberto is certainly an option to start in midfield, with Gavi as the left-winger, while Xavi could also trust one of Marc Casado or Unai Hernandez.