FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick announced the starting XI to face Real Betis just a while ago, with kickoff at Estadio de La Cartuja under an hour away.
And, there were some surprises from the German tactician as Roony Bardghji was named in the lineup, along with Marcus Rashford, with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski being benched.
Raphinha rested due to muscle strain
Now, according to Javi Miguel of AS, the reason behind Raphinha being benched tonight against Real Betis is because of discomfort.
As per the journalist, the 28-year-old winger is dealing with a right adductor strain. It is the same leg in which he had suffered the biceps femoris injury earlier this season and had experienced a relapse.
On the bench vs Real Betis. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Given the situation, Flick opted to err on the side of caution and leave the superstar forward out on the bench. In his place, Rashford gets the nod on the left flank.
Raphinha had spent two months out with the biceps femoris injury and made his comeback only against Athletic Club.
Since then, he has grown in influence game after game, playing important roles in the wins against Deportivo Alaves and Atletico Madrid.
While his absence could be felt, the UEFA Champions League game against Eintracht Frankfurt next week is much more important, and as such, it makes sense for Flick not to take any risk with Raphinha.
In his place, Rashford, who has not started in the last few matches, gets another opportunity to make an impression.
