Gabriel Jesus gets Barcelona chance as Raphinha misses two games
Barcelona will be without Raphinha for two fixtures as Hansi Flick manages the forward’s return from a problem in his right thigh. The winger will miss Getafe in La Liga and the Champions League trip to Galatasaray after imaging found no significant injury, and Gabriel Jesus is Flick’s chosen replacement for the Getafe match, according to Marca’s report on Friday, October 9.
Raphinha returned early from Brazil after developing an edema in the back of his right thigh. Barcelona are taking a cautious approach rather than reporting a serious new injury, with the forward to work individually and rest for the two upcoming games. The club’s selection decisions around Raphinha’s availability will therefore shape Flick’s attack across the short run of fixtures.
Flick’s caution reflects Raphinha’s injury history: the Brazilian missed 26 matches last season because of problems in the same thigh area, Marca reported. He had also been Barcelona’s leading scorer at the time of the report, with 14 goals for the team, including 12 in La Liga. Protecting that availability is the priority while he recovers.
Jesus is the first attacking option for the immediate vacancy. Flick has been pleased with the forward’s improvement, adaptation and training, and views his strength inside the penalty area as a useful fit for the role. The Brazilian had made four appearances totalling 41 minutes and scored twice, a limited sample that has nonetheless brought him into contention for a start.
His recent integration into Barcelona training has preceded a more substantial opportunity in the side. Jesus has already made his first Barcelona appearance, and the attacking role he could now take on will be more prominent against Getafe.
The confirmed selection news is limited to the Getafe fixture. Jesus is set to replace Raphinha there, but Flick has not confirmed that the former Arsenal forward will keep his place against Galatasaray in Istanbul. The Champions League choice remains open, with several alternatives available.
Marca listed Hamza Abdelkarim, Dani Olmo, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon and Lamine Yamal among the possibilities for the Istanbul match. Their inclusion as options does not establish a predicted starting XI, and no complete lineup has been confirmed. For now, Jesus is the clear solution against Getafe; the choice for the European fixture will depend on Flick’s selection.
