HANSI FLICK CONFIDENT INJURED BARCELONA SUPERSTAR READY FOR CLASICO
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is hopeful winger Raphinha can recover from his hamstring injury in time for El Clásico against Real Madrid on October 26, according to reports.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Hansi Flick, the manager of Barcelona, is hopeful that Raphinha will be able to bounce back in time for the El Clásico later this month, according to a recent AS article.
Although the Brazilian winger is presently out due to a torn hamstring in his right leg, club sources indicate that he could still be included in the squad for the highly anticipated match on October 26 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It should be mentioned that Flick has had a difficult 2025–2026 season due to injuries.
Consequently, Robert Lewandowski suffered a ruptured hamstring, and Dani Olmo was confirmed injured during the recent international break, both of whom will miss the El Clásico.
Goalie Joan Garcia and midfielder Gavi are also out, adding to their absences.
Barcelona's preparations for one of the most important games in Spanish football have been made more difficult by these major injuries.
Raphinha is uncertain but not left behind.
Although Raphinha's recuperation has taken a little longer than anticipated, the club had originally believed that he would be well in three weeks, or by October 17.
As previously stated, he is out of commission for Saturday's match against Girona and will undoubtedly miss Tuesday's Champions League meeting against Olympiacos at Montjuic.
Raphinha still has a chance to be fit for the El Clásico, according to sources from the dressing room.
The winger's healing progress and the club's cautious handling of his recuperation are the main reasons for Flick's optimism.
Raphinha would be a huge asset to Barcelona if he were to join, bringing attacking threat and inventiveness to the match against Real Madrid, which is sure to be a high-stakes match.
Barcelona must currently budget for several absences while holding out hope that Raphinha will recover in time.
Ahead of one of the most anticipated games of the season, his comeback might have a significant impact on the team's strategy and morale.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.