Barcelona have officially confirmed that star winger Raphinha will miss today’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium.
Despite initial hopes that the Brazilian would be fit for the Round 20 fixture, the club released a statement Sunday morning confirming he has been sidelined as a precaution. Raphinha suffered a “knock to his right thigh” during Saturday’s training session under Hansi Flick.
A Major Blow for Flick’s Attack
Raphinha’s absence is a significant hit for the league leaders. The Brazilian has been in sensational form, recently scoring a double to help Barça secure the Spanish Super Cup title against Real Madrid.
Although the club considers the injury “minor,” Hansi Flick has opted for caution to avoid a long-term setback. In his absence, summer signing Marcus Rashford is expected to step into the starting lineup, joining Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal in a revamped attacking trio.
Barcelona’s 21-Man Squad List
Even without their captain’s intensity, Flick travels to San Sebastián with a formidable squad. Ronald Araújo remains in the group after his emotional return to football, and João Cancelo is also available for selection.
Forwards: Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji.
Midfielders: Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, and Marc Bernal.
Goalkeepers: Joan García, Ter Stegen, and Szczęsny.
Match Details: Real Sociedad vs Barcelona
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 21:00 CET
Venue: Reale Arena (Anoeta)
❗️ 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
First team player Raphinha sits out the game against Real Sociedad as a precaution due to a knock to the right thigh. pic.twitter.com/vh7881dNTt
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 18, 2026
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
