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FERMIN LOPEZ ABSENCE: ANALYZING MIDFIELDER'S IMPACT ON BARCELONA'S KEY FIXTURES

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez is out for two weeks with a soleus injury, missing key games vs Atletico & in the UCL. A major setback for coach Hansi Flick.

Fermin Lopez Absence: Analyzing Midfielder's Impact on Barcelona's Key Fixtures
Midfielder Misses Key La Liga, UCL Matches.

Barcelona just got hit with another injury issue. Midfielder Fermin Lopez is out for about two weeks because of a soleus problem in his right leg.

This guy has been important for Hansi Flick this season, so he's going to miss some important La Liga and Champions League games. It's bad timing since Pedri is close to coming back. This messes with the midfield situation during a tough part of the schedule.

Barcelona said that Lopez hurt the soleus muscle in his right leg during practice on Thursday. It's a setback for Flick, who was happy to hear that Pedri would be back for the Alaves game.

The team said that Lopez has a small injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg, and he's expected to be out for about two weeks.”

This is bad timing for Flick. Lopez will miss key La Liga and Champions League games after they lost to Chelsea 3-0. He's expected to miss games against Alaves, Atletico Madrid, Betis, and Eintracht Frankfurt. It's not clear if he'll be ready for the Osasuna game on December 13, since that's only two days after he's supposed to be back.

Lopez has been playing well this season and just played his 100th game for the first team. He's been really helpful while Barca has been having trouble with injuries in the midfield. So, this injury makes things even harder for Flick's plans.

Besides the medical stuff, Lopez's injury might be a big deal for the team. Mundo Deportivo said that he's still feeling the effects of a hard hit he took against Athletic Club. Oihan Sancet got a red card for that tackle. Lopez was still hurting, but he played in Barca's Champions League game at Stamford Bridge, where they lost badly.

He played for a little over an hour before being taken out, and it looks like that made things worse and led to the injury in practice. This is his second injury this season, and it comes just when Barca's injury list was getting shorter. Only Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi are still out for a long time.

Even though losing Lopez is a problem, Barca got some good news with Pedri coming back. He practised normally on Thursday and should be ready for the Alaves game. He gives Flick more options and lets the team manage playing time better, especially after the tough schedule they've had.

With Pedri back, Dani Olmo might get to start in attacking midfield again. Flick wants to rotate players and protect the important ones. Lopez's absence already affected the lineup on Tuesday in London. Barcelona had trouble with their midfield balance and control without him.

This is a time when they need to manage the team carefully. Barca is trying to catch up in La Liga after their Champions League loss. Flick needs to depend on his midfield depth, including Pedri, Olmo, and Frenkie de Jong, for the next two weeks.

Lopez is expected to miss at least four games, including an important one against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou and a big Champions League game against Eintracht Frankfurt.

If he recovers as expected, he could be back around December 13, which means the Osasuna game at home is the earliest he could play. But Barcelona won't rush him, especially since soleus injuries can come back. The team hopes he's only out for two weeks and that he's back in time for the important December games.

LEADER RAPHINHA: WHY BARCA NEEDS HIS DEMANDS TO KEEP WINNING

FC Barcelona star Raphinha admitted his demanding nature is 'tiresome' but essential for success. He is pushing teammates for higher standards ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash.

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Raphinha’s Brutal Self-Analysis is Barca’s Key

FC Barcelona's Raphinha admits he can be a pain, but that kind of honesty—holding himself and his teammates responsible—is what the team needs.

After a couple of so-so seasons, Raphinha came alive when Hansi Flick arrived in 2024/2025, even becoming the Champions League's top player for setting up goals.

Barca only made it to the semifinals in that competition, losing to Inter Milan. Yet, the Brazilian was key in winning all three major Spanish trophies, putting the club back on top in Spain.

Even though Flick has been reminded that Barca has the same points (34) after 14 games this season, something feels off.

Raphinha was seen cheering up Flick after a 3-1 win over Alaves on Saturday. The number 11 also spoke openly on DAZN Espana.

I think I’m a bit tiresome, sometimes too much. But I think pressing is important. I’m sure my teammates think I talk too much on the field. But I’m going to ask more from everyone. "I take responsibility, and in the locker room, we all hug to celebrate," Raphinha said.

If Barca wants to stay ahead in Spain and maybe win in Europe, it needs this kind of honesty and a leader who keeps everyone in check.

Flick has already said that egos ruin success, and some people think certain players aren't trying as hard in games as they do in practice.

If Raphinha stays healthy, at least we know one player will do his best and make sure everyone else does too.

What else did Raphinha say?

I’m trying to be my best. I can’t play 90 minutes yet, but when I’m on, I try my hardest. I felt tired in the second half. I'm working hard to get back to my best. I want to help the team, and I’m happy to start at number 11.

Raphinha and FC Barcelona are back in action, hosting Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Tuesday night.

BARCELONA TARGETS SAVINHO: MAN CITY WINGER RAPHINHA'S LONG-TERM SUCCESSOR

Barcelona is reportedly eyeing Man City's promising 21-year-old Brazilian winger Savinho. The Catalan club sees him as the ideal replacement for Raphinha down the line.

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Barcelona Prepares Move for Man City's Savinho

A recent report from Fichajes says Barcelona has its eyes on Manchester City winger Savinho. The Catalan club is supposedly thinking of the Brazilian player as a possible replacement for Raphinha down the road.

Savinho's Been Doing Well in the Premier League

Savinho hasn't been a regular starter for Man City this season, but he's still managed to impress in attack. The Brazilian has scored one goal and assisted on two others in 15 games for Man City in all tournaments this season.

The 21-year-old has shown he can be a threat, averaging 1.55 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League, with 42.9% of those shots hitting the target. Savinho is also pretty good at passing, completing 79.5% of his attempted passes in the English top league (stats from fbref.com).

His contract with Man City runs through the summer of 2031, so it won't be simple for Barcelona to get him cheap next year.

What Savinho Would Offer Barcelona

Savinho is a solid dribbler and can make some exciting runs out wide. He's got an ability to make key passes in the final third and can shoot with power from a distance.

The Brazilian player can score and set up goals when he plays regularly and feels confident on the pitch. He already knows La Liga well, so he should adapt to Barcelona pretty quickly.

Savinho could add quality and depth to Barca's attack under manager Hansi Flick. He's got the skills to compete for a starting role at the club and could be a good replacement for Raphinha in the future.

At 21, Savinho has the potential to become a star in European soccer. He could even assist Barcelona in competing for big titles in the next ten years. So, Flick should seriously consider trying to sign him this January or at the end of the season.

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