FC Barcelona to travel to Czech Republic with major absences: Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha ruled out

FC Barcelona is set to travel to Prague this Tuesday for their final training session ahead of a high-stakes European clash against Slavia Prague. However, the headlines are dominated by two major absences that have sent shockwaves through the fan base and forced Hansi Flick to rethink his entire offensive strategy. The Catalan giants will be without Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, leaving a significant void in a squad that is already navigating a congested 2026 calendar.

The absence of Ferran Torres is perhaps the most concerning from a physical standpoint. The Valencian forward will remain in Barcelona due to persistent hamstring discomfort. According to the club's medical staff, the decision is purely precautionary but strictly enforced. Recent tests suggest a high risk of a long-term tear if Ferran is subjected to the high-intensity environment of a Champions League away match.

For Torres, this is a frustrating "déjà vu." The forward suffered a similar injury back in October, which sidelined him for several critical weeks. With the season entering its most decisive phase, Flick and the medical team have opted for prudence over risk. They aim to have him ready for the upcoming domestic battle against Oviedo at the Spotify Camp Nou this Sunday, but his participation in that fixture also remains shrouded in uncertainty.

While Ferran's absence is clinical, the case of Lamine Yamal is purely disciplinary. The teenage sensation will not travel to the Czech Republic as he serves an internal punishment handed down by Hansi Flick. While the club has not released the specific details of the infraction, this "iron fist" approach by the German manager sends a clear message to the locker room: talent does not exempt anyone from the rules.

This marks the first time this season that Flick will be forced to play a major European match without either of his preferred starting wingers. It is a true "stress test" for the squad's depth. In their absence, players like Dani Olmo and Marcus Rashford are expected to shoulder the creative burden, proving whether this Barcelona roster is truly "Flick-proof" or if it relies too heavily on its young stars.

Amidst the tactical chaos, there is a massive silver lining: Raphinha is back. The Brazilian winger, who was a massive doubt after a brutal collision in San Sebastián left him barely able to walk just days ago, has made a miraculous recovery.

Raphinha trained at full intensity on Monday with the players who didn't start the last La Liga match, showing no signs of the limp that had worried the coaching staff. His presence is a massive morale booster. Not only does he provide goals and relentless pressing, but his veteran leadership will be vital in guiding a makeshift attack in a stadium as hostile as Slavia’s.

Barcelona will release the official squad list on Tuesday morning before boarding their flight. Every detail counts in the new Champions League league phase, where goal difference and direct results are paramount. Flick’s ability to adapt to these sudden absences will define whether Barça returns from Prague with three points or a growing list of concerns.