## Barcelona Star Raphinha Races Against Time for Crucial Copa del Rey Clash
Barcelona finds itself in a tense waiting game as star forward Raphinha battles to regain full fitness ahead of a pivotal Copa del Rey semi-final showdown. The Brazilian’s availability hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over the team’s preparations for the high-stakes encounter against Atletico Madrid.
### A Nagging Thigh Issue Keeps Raphinha Sidelined
A persistent thigh complaint has sidelined the dynamic attacker, forcing him to miss Barcelona’s last two fixtures. He was conspicuously absent from the Copa del Rey victory over Albacete and subsequently sat out Saturday’s dominant 3-0 LaLiga triumph against Mallorca. This ongoing physical setback has left fans and management anxious about his prompt return.
### The Road to Recovery: Raphinha’s Own Cautious Words
Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Raphinha offered a cautious update on his condition, acknowledging progress but stopping short of declaring himself fully fit. “I’m feeling better, but I’m not yet at 100 per cent,” the forward admitted. He emphasized a day-by-day approach to his recuperation, stating, “We are taking it day by day. There are possibilities for me to play on Thursday, but I still don’t have a definitive answer. If I’m truly well, I will play, but we need to observe how things evolve.”
### Impact on the Pitch: A Season of Offensive Brilliance
Raphinha’s potential absence is particularly keenly felt given his instrumental role in Barcelona’s success this season. The Brazilian has been a consistent offensive threat, boasting an impressive tally of 13 goals and contributing five assists across all competitions. His flair, pace, and goal-scoring prowess have been vital for the LaLiga leaders, making his fitness a significant concern for the upcoming crucial fixture.
## High Stakes: Atletico Madrid Awaits in Copa Semi-Final
With the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals rapidly approaching on Thursday, Barcelona faces a formidable challenge against rivals Atletico Madrid. The potential unavailability of a key attacking force like Raphinha adds another layer of complexity to what is already set to be a fiercely contested battle. Manager Xavi Hernandez will undoubtedly be hoping for a swift and full recovery from his Brazilian star to bolster his squad for this critical stage of the competition.