FC Barcelona is looking to bounce back from their shock weekend defeat against Real Sociedad as they travel to face Slavia Prague this Wednesday (Jan 21). While Hansi Flick receives a massive boost with the return of a key forward, he will have to navigate a must-win Champions League fixture without his brightest star.
The Return of Raphinha and Pedri According to Diario AS, Brazilian winger Raphinha has successfully recovered from the right leg discomfort that kept him out of the weekend’s action. He returned to full training on Monday and is expected to start in Prague.
In more good news for the Blaugrana, Pedri has also been cleared to play. Despite concerns over a heavy challenge received against Real Sociedad, the midfielder trained normally and will travel with the squad.
The Lamine Yamal Void However, it’s not all good news for the Catalan giants. Lamine Yamal is officially ruled out of the clash against Slavia Prague. The 18-year-old sensation will serve a one-match suspension following an accumulation of yellow cards in the competition.
‼️ Explicat a @EsportsRAC1
👉🏻Ferran Torres va acabar amb l’isquio tocat a Anoeta
👉🏻Tot apunta que serà baixa dimecres a Praga i per al proper partit de Lliga diumenge #frac1 pic.twitter.com/ZgPtqOLt6U
— El Barça juga a RAC1 (@FCBRAC1) January 19, 2026
With Yamal out and Ferran Torres sidelined with a fresh thigh injury, Hansi Flick is expected to call upon Swedish talent Roony Bardghji. The youngster has been impressive in his recent cameos and is the favorite to fill the void on the right wing.
UCL Standings: No Room for Error Currently sitting 15th in the Champions League table, Barcelona’s path to the top eight is narrow. To avoid the playoff round, Flick’s men must secure six points from their final two games against Slavia Prague and Copenhagen while hoping for favorable results elsewhere.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
