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Is Raphinha playing today? Confirmed lineups for Girona vs. Barcelona in LaLiga clash

Raphinha of FC Barcelona warms up prior a game.
© Alex Caparros/Getty ImagesRaphinha of FC Barcelona warms up prior a game.

While Barcelona had established themselves as one of the best teams in Spain, they suffered a heavy 4–0 defeat to Atlético Madrid, raising doubts about the team’s competitiveness. In an effort to bounce back, the Blaugranas face Girona in LaLiga, aiming for a convincing victory. For this reason, supporters are paying close attention to Raphinha’s potential inclusion in the starting lineup, after Hansi Flick revealed that he has returned to training.

Due to muscle overload issues, Raphinha missed Barcelona’s last three matches. However, coach Flick confirmed that the Brazilian is fully fit and included in today’s matchday squad. With this in mind, the 29-year-old star will start for the Blaugranas, aiming for a solid return to his scoring form. However, it remains uncertain whether he will play the full game or just a few minutes.

Having suffered a heavy defeat, coach Hansi Flick will opt for a lineup change, betting again on Dani Olmo and Frenkie de Jong in the midfield. Then, Lamine Yamal will play a pivotal role alongside Robert Lewandowski in the offense coupled with the Brazilian star. With this in mind, Barcelona arrive as clear favorites to clinch a victory in today’s game.

Unlike the Blaugranas, Girona are not in top form, having managed just one win in their last four La Liga matches. In addition, coach Míchel does not have a deep squad at his disposal, leaving him with limited options to change the game from the bench. On top of that, they have struggled to regain their scoring threat, ranking among the league’s lowest-scoring teams, in contrast to Barcelona, who lead the competition in this area.

Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates with Alejandro Balde.

Girona lineup vs. Barcelona

With the aim of turning around their inconsistent season, Girona face Barcelona while fielding their strongest possible starting lineup. However, they will be without Juan Carlos, Marc-André ter Stegen, Donny van de Beek, Portu, and Álex Moreno. Despite this, coach Míchel will rely on Bryan Gil, Thomas Lemar, and Viktor Tsygankov to lead the attack. Alongside them, Claudio Echeverri could play an important role off the bench.

Considering this, Girona will play as follows: Paulo Gazzaniga; Hugo Rincón, Vitor Reis, Daley Blind, Arnau Martinez; Victor Tsygankov, Thomas Lemar, Axel Witsel, Ivan Martin, Bryan Gil; Vladyslav Vanat.

Barcelona lineup vs. Girona

Even though Raphinha has returned to the starting lienup, Barcelona will be missing four key players: Andreas Christensen, Pablo Gavi, Pedri, and Marcus Rashford. Despite these absences, coach Hansi Flick still has crucial figures like Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Frenkie de Jong to lead the team. Additionally, Ferran Torres will play significant role in bolstering the Blaugranas’ attacking threat.

With this in mind, Barcelona will lineup as follows: Joan Garcia; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Alejando Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.

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