FC Barcelona suffer a major setback ahead of their clash against Real Sociedad at Anoeta: Flick will save him for the Ch
The Blaugrana side announced the player’s injury through their official social media channels.
The FC Barcelona expedition took flight this weekend with a glaring absence that severely disrupts Hansi Flick’s blueprint. Raphinha has been officially ruled out for the La Liga clash against Real Sociedad due to a blow to his right leg. The medical report, released just moments before the team boarded their flight to San Sebastián, confirms a significant blow to the squad's offensive power, forcing the German manager to completely reshuffle his starting XI.
The Brazilian’s physical status had been a brewing concern for days. Raphinha was forced to play with pain-killing injections during last Sunday's Supercopa de España final due to adductor discomfort. Despite the winger’s legendary work rate and commitment, Flick has opted for caution. With a high-stakes Champions League fixture in Prague looming next Wednesday—where there is zero margin for error—risking a pillar like Raphinha was simply not an option.
The Replacement Debate: Rashford or Olmo?
Flick now faces a tactical crossroads on the left wing. Two distinct profiles are on the table to fill the void:
- Marcus Rashford: The most direct alternative. His explosiveness, verticality, and experience in high-pressure environments make him the favorite to maintain the team's counter-attacking threat.
- Dani Olmo: A more "associative" approach. Olmo would provide superior control between the lines, helping Barça create numerical advantages in the interior channels rather than relying on pure pace.
The final choice will reveal Flick’s intent: will he try to outrun Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena, or will he try to out-pass them?
Frenkie’s Return and Squad News
Beyond the Raphinha setback, the squad list brings one major piece of good news: the return of Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch maestro is back after serving a suspension, reinforcing a midfield that gains immediate balance, vision, and ball progression with his presence.
The squad also includes Marc-André ter Stegen, who remains professional despite heavy rumors linking him to a Girona move, and João Cancelo, who earns his first La Liga call-up of the season. The only confirmed absences—besides Raphinha—are the injured duo of Gavi and Christensen, and the young talent Dro, who is finalizing his blockbuster move to PSG.
Official Squad List for Real Sociedad vs. FC Barcelona
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | Time: 21:00 CET | Venue: Reale Arena
- Goalkeepers: Joan García, Ter Stegen, Szczesny.
- Defenders: Koundé, Araújo, Cancelo, Eric García, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde.
- Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Casadó, Pedri, Bernal, Fermín López.
- Forwards: Dani Olmo, Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres, Roony Bardghji, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski.
