Last night was one to forget for FC Barcelona as they stumbled to a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
While the Catalans were well below their best, it did not help that they were without some of their most important players like Raphinha and Pedri.
But there seems to be some good news with regard to the fitness of one of the aforementioned players.
Raphinha training on the pitch
Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha was back training on the grass today in what comes as a boost for Barcelona.
After being withdrawn at half-time in the match against Elche and missing the fixtures against Albacete, Mallorca and Atletico Madrid, the Brazilian is gradually improving and took a step forward in his objective of returning as soon as possible.
Raphinha has resumed on-pitch training. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
An initial recovery period of one week had been set, and there was even consideration of him featuring against Mallorca. However, Hansi Flick explained that his sensations were not good and that patience was required.
Now, it has emerged that Raphinha did some work on the pitch during the brief recovery training of his teammates.
Given the development, the key superstar is optimistic about the possibility of playing some minutes this Monday against Girona in the Catalan derby.
So far this season, Raphinha has played 22 matches across all competitions, scoring 13 and assisting five goals. He has missed more than 40% of the team’s games due to injury and will be eager to get back to playing at the earliest.