Copa del Rey: Barcelona attack depleted as star duo miss semi-final
FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will be without forwards Raphinha and Marcus Rashford for the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid on Thursday.
The Blaugrana face one of their toughest tests of the campaign as they travel to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Flick’s side enter the contest brimming with confidence after securing a place in the final four with a victory over Albacete.
However, the German coach must navigate significant absences for this high-stakes encounter.
Flick forced into forward reshuffle
The La Liga leaders have been dealt a blow with confirmation that both Raphinha and Rashford are unavailable for the trip to the capital.
Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo are expected to step into the starting XI to fill the void.
Olmo is likely to operate in a wider role than usual to accommodate the tactical shift.
In a bold move, Ferran Torres is tipped to lead the line ahead of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.
Midfield options also remain limited for the Catalans.
With Pedri still sidelined, teenage sensation Marc Bernal could be handed a rare start in the engine room.
He is expected to partner Frenkie de Jong, who has successfully recovered from a minor groin issue just in time for the semi-final.
Simeone navigates midfield crisis
Atlético Madrid have their own selection headaches to resolve following a mixed week of results.
Diego Simeone is grappling with an injury crisis in the centre of the park.
The Argentine tactician is without Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso, and Nico Gonzalez.
This shortage could open the door for youngster Rodrigo Mendoza to start alongside club captain Koke.
There is better news in the attacking third for the Rojiblancos.
New arrival Ademola Lookman looks set to retain his place after opening his account for the club in the quarter-final stage.
Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez are expected to form a potent strike partnership.
The inclusion of Alvarez adds intrigue, with reports suggesting Barcelona hold a strong interest in signing the Argentine this summer.
Contrasting form ahead of first leg
Barcelona arrive in Madrid sitting at the summit of La Liga, holding a slender one-point advantage over rivals Real Madrid.
The Catalans warmed up for this tie with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Mallorca, featuring goals from Lamine Yamal and Bernal.
Conversely, Atlético find themselves 13 points off the pace in third.
Simeone’s men are looking for an immediate response after suffering a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Real Betis on Sunday.
History favours the visitors, with Barcelona claiming a 3-1 win in the previous meeting between these sides in December.