Raphinha’s Injury and Replacement Options
FC Barcelona is set to host Getafe at the Spotify Camp Nou on October 10, 2026, at 18:30 local time [1]. The team will be without key forward Raphinha, who has suffered a recurrence of a thigh injury after returning from international duty with discomfort [2]. Raphinha, who has been instrumental in a false nine role this season, scoring 14 goals, was substituted at halftime against Australia due to physical discomfort [2]. Coach Hansi Flick is now considering several options to fill the void in the forward line [3]. Dani Olmo, who recently returned after winning the World Cup, is a strong candidate, possessing experience in the false nine position [4]. Other potential replacements include Fermín López, Gabriel Jesus, and Hamza Abdelkarim, all of whom have experience in central attacking roles [3]. Lamine Yamal, despite his impressive form, is considered a less likely option for the center forward position [3]. Additionally, Eric García returned from international duty with discomfort, adding to Barcelona’s injury concerns [5]. Roony Bardghji is also in the early stages of recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament tear [6].
Rising Stars and Off-Field Scrutiny
Despite injury setbacks, FC Barcelona can rely on the exceptional form of its young talents. Lamine Yamal has been particularly influential, directly contributing to 18 of the last 36 goals scored by FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team [7]. His recent performances include a brace against Croatia for the national team [8]. Hamza Abdelkarim is another player making headlines, having scored his first goal for Egypt against Sudan and becoming the third youngest player in Egypt’s history to score for the senior national team [9]. He recently renewed his contract with FC Barcelona [9]. Joao Cancelo continues to be a vital player, performing at a high level on the left flank and contributing to both Barcelona and Portugal [5]. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona continues to face scrutiny over payments made to a former referees’ committee vice-president. The club has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and while UEFA’s investigation is ongoing, it has not affected Barcelona’s participation in UEFA competitions [10].
What it means
FC Barcelona enters the Getafe fixture in formidable domestic form, sitting atop La Liga with 21 points from seven games, having won all their matches and boasting an impressive goal difference of +24 (31 goals scored, 7 conceded). Their recent results underscore this dominance, with victories including a 7-2 home win against Real Racing Club de Santander and a 5-1 Champions League triumph over Feyenoord Rotterdam. This consistent winning streak suggests a team high in confidence and clinical in front of goal. The upcoming match against Getafe presents an opportunity to maintain their perfect league record and extend their lead. Despite the absence of Raphinha, the depth of talent, particularly with the emergence of young stars like Lamine Yamal and Hamza Abdelkarim, provides Hansi Flick with strong alternatives. The club’s strong start to the season positions them well for both domestic and European challenges, even as off-field investigations continue.
Sources
- Marca: Compra tus entradas para ver el Barcelona vs Getafe marca.com ↩
- Marca: Raphinha ya está en Barcelona marca.com ↩
- Marca: Flick no repetirá el mismo error con Raphinha y ya hace cávalas para suplirle en la delantera marca.com ↩
- Marca: Las abuelas de oro marca.com ↩
- Marca: Joao Cancelo, el incombustible lateral del Barça marca.com ↩
- Marca: Roony sigue dando pasos adelante en su recuperación marca.com ↩
- Marca: Lamine se divierte marca.com ↩
- Marca: Lamine Yamal e Inés García revolucionan las redes con su nuevo baile viral: “My love” marca.com ↩
- Marca: Hamza no se cansa de hacer historia marca.com ↩
- BBC Sport: Real submit 'substantial' dossier in Barca payments case bbc.co.uk ↩
