London [UK], February 3: Raphinha will miss Barcelona's Copa del Rey quarter-final clash with Segunda Division side Albacete after being told to rest a muscle problem.
The 29-year-old Brazil international, who was replaced by Marcus Rashford at half-time of Saturday's 3-1 LaLiga win at Elche, is to sit out for a week after suffering "an overload in the adductor muscle of his right leg".
That will rule the 13-goal frontman out of the last-eight clash with Real Madrid's conquerors at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte, and leave head coach Hansi Flick with a headache.
The Barca boss told a press conference: "We are at an important stage of the season and we need Raphinha. It's not ideal that he is unavailable. It will be difficult for me to choose the starting eleven.
"I'm not happy about his injury. We'll have to see what needs to change. We're at an important moment and we need him. It's not good for us that he isn't available."
England international Rashford has been used only as a substitute in each of his last four appearances, but has scored in three of them and will hope his efforts win him a start.
Flick was coy when asked about his team selection, but said: "I'm very happy with him (Rashford). He has a lot of potential. But like the rest of the squad, there is room for improvement. I want everyone to reach their maximum level."
Barca will head into the game one point ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table and having secured their progression to the last 16 in the Champions League as one of the eight automatic qualifiers.
They have won 15 of their last 16 games in all competitions - a 2-1 league defeat at Real Sociedad on January 18 is the only blemish - but will take nothing for granted as they attempt to avoid a major shock.
Albacete, who lie in 12th place in the second tier, stunned Spanish football in the last round when they beat Real Madrid 3-2, and while they have won their last four games in all competitions, a repeat against the holders and 32-time winners would perhaps send out even greater shockwaves.
Flick said: "What I like about the cup is exactly this. Very often you get surprising results.
"We always analyse the opponent. We have to adapt to their style, their stadium, and step onto the pitch with the right attitude and mentality. We have to be 100% concentrated." For Albacete head coach Alberto Gonzalez, the challenge is to make history.
He told the club's official website: "No other second-division team has ever beaten Real Madrid and Barcelona. We're clinging to the possibility of an historic victory to achieve something great."
Source: Qatar Tribune
