Flick Confirms Koundé, Balde and García Return as Raphinha Faces Five Weeks Out

Rashford now has a chance to earn a permanent deal during a dense run against Atlético.

Overview

Flick, speaking Friday, said Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde and Eric García are available, with Frenkie de Jong expected to rejoin group training next week.
Raphinha will be sidelined for about five weeks with a right hamstring injury suffered with Brazil, which rules him out of the LaLiga meeting and both Champions League quarterfinal legs against Atlético.
Flick said he and sporting director Deco allowed Raphinha a few days in Brazil to clear his mind after the setback, with a return to Barcelona planned this weekend.
With Raphinha out, Flick named Marcus Rashford as the leading option on the left and noted the loaned forward can press his case for a €30 million permanent move.
Flick flagged footing issues at Atlético’s Metropolitano and told players to adjust their studs as Barcelona begin three games against Atlético in 11 days while holding a four-point LaLiga lead.