FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is preparing to adjust his attacking lineup for the upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Galatasaray, relying on forward Anthony Gordon to fill the central role while Raphinha sidelined with a thigh injury.
Raphinha Sidelined Following Brazilian National Duty
Raphinha collected the La Liga Player of the Month award for September at the Camp Nou ahead of Barcelona’s fixture against Getafe, sporting casual street clothes, a black blazer, sunglasses, and a cap. The forward earned the recognition after scoring 12 goals and providing three assists in domestic play, alongside two goals in the Champions League. However, the winger returned early from international duty with Brazil due to a thigh injury described by official club channels as a minor edema requiring rest. Ara.cat reported that the player chose not to issue a formal medical statement due to frustrations over a two-month absence caused by a similar injury with Brazil the previous season.
Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed ahead of the Getafe match that the forward would miss both domestic action and the trip to Turkey. Club president Joan Laporta subsequently stated that medical staff expect the absence to extend through the upcoming fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, ruling the player out for three consecutive matches. Barcelona staff maintain a cautious approach with the explosive forward given a demanding October schedule that features a trip to Paris and a Clásico against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou.
Gabriel Jesus Leads the Line Against Getafe
With Raphinha unavailable, Hansi Flick deployed Gabriel Jesus as the central striker for the home fixture against Getafe. The forward scored his third goal for Barcelona in the victory, though ara.cat reported that he showed clear signs of fatigue late in the second match and was substituted for Hamza Abdelkarim in the 82nd minute. While the club acknowledges the former Manchester City player’s technical quality and scoring efficiency, staff remain mindful of his extensive injury history and the necessity to manage his playing time carefully.
Anthony Gordon Steps Into the Central Role in Istanbul
As Barcelona travels to Istanbul for the second match of the Champions League group stage, Flick faces a tactical decision regarding the central forward position. Although Hamza Abdelkarim saw minutes against Getafe, the coaching staff does not yet view the Egyptian youngster as ready for a starting role. Ara.cat reported that the tactical alternative is Anthony Gordon, who scored his first goal for Barcelona in the same weekend fixture.
Barcelona pursued Julián Álvarez during the summer transfer window, but Atlético Madrid refused to negotiate a sale. The club subsequently secured Gordon prior to the World Cup to prevent a bidding war, identifying the former Newcastle United winger as a versatile option capable of playing on the left flank or through the middle. When Flick contacted Gordon prior to his arrival in Catalonia, the manager explained that his initial deployment would be the left wing, while instructing him to prepare for central duties should Raphinha face physical setbacks. In a previous interview with RAC1, Raphinha noted that Flick initially planned to utilize him as a central striker, with the flexibility to return to the wing and shift Gordon centrally if needed.
Upcoming Champions League Fixture in Istanbul
Barcelona departs today for Istanbul to face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League. With Gabriel Jesus requiring physical management and Raphinha unavailable until the fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, Flick is expected to implement his original tactical plan by positioning Gordon in the center of the attack.
Keep reading
