Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has confirmed defender Pau Cubarsi and attacker Raphinha will both be fit to start Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Cubarsi pulled out of the Spain squad last month after he sustained an ankle injury in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands.
The 18-year-old was subsequently left on the bench for Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Osasuna last Thursday, before he was only used as a late substitute in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Girona.
Meanwhile, Raphinha has not played since playing the full duration of Brazil’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires last Tuesday.
The 28-year-old was left out of the squad for the Osasuna win following his long journey back from South America, while he was an unused substitute at the weekend due to some discomfort.
Cubarsi, Raphinha fit to start against Atletico
However, the pair will be fit to start Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at the Metropolitano, with the tie on a knife-edge following last month’s thrilling 4-4 draw in Barcelona.
Speaking in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Flick told reporters. “[Raphinha] is already recovered to play tomorrow – Absolutely.
“Cubarsi is ready to start, just like Raphinha. We’ve given him time to recover, and I think it was the right decision. He’ll be ready tomorrow.”
Cubarsi looks set to partner Inigo Martinez in central defence, which will mean Ronald Araujo will drop to be bench for the cup fixture.
Raphinha’s inclusion will force Flick to take out either Gavi or Fermin Lopez from the lineup that started against Girona at the weekend.
Flick discusses Ter Stegen return
In more positive news, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has returned to full training as he steps up his recovery from a long-term knee injury.
Ter Stegen has been out of action since September, and Flick is keen to adopt a cautious approach with the 32-year-old goalkeeper.
“We will see, step by step,” Flick said. “When he is better, we will see what happens. Now is not the time to make a decision or say anything.
“We have to focus on today, and we have time. The good news is that everything is going well with Marc and we are happy that he is at this stage. We’ll see what happens.”
Ter Stegen remains unavailable for Wednesday’s fixture, along with Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, Marc Casado and Dani Olmo.
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