Barcelona confirm Ferran Torres’ absence against Slavia Prague in Champions League, Raphinha set to start

After a disappointing 1-2 defeat to Real Sociedad in La Liga, Barcelona will travel to the Czech Republic to face Slavia Prague. The Spanish side need a win to improve their position in the standings, as they currently sit 15th in the Swiss Stage with 10 points. Their preparations, however, have been affected by several absences.

Earlier today, Barcelona provided an update on the squad, stating: "Lamine Yamal is unavailable due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards, while Gavi and Christensen continue their recovery from injury. In addition, Ferran Torres will miss the trip after suffering an injury to the semimembranosus muscle in his right leg, with an estimated recovery time of around ten days".

Club captain Marc Andre ter Stegen will also not be included, as he is set to join Girona on loan. Despite these setbacks, Barcelona received positive news with the return of Raphinha, who missed the match against Real Sociedad due to a minor knock and is now available for selection.

With Yamal unavailable, Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski are expected to start in attack. Roony Bardghji and Fermin Lopez are also pushing for a place in the starting lineup after recent strong performances. In midfield, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo are likely to form the central trio. The defensive line is expected to feature Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martin, and Eric Garcia, with Joan Garcia set to start in goal.

New signing Joao Cancelo will not be part of the squad, as he has only recently joined the club and has not yet been registered. If Barcelona qualify for the playoff stage, Cancelo is expected to be included, with him and Jules Kounde currently the only right-back options at the club.

The final squad for the match against Slavia Prague includes: Joan Garcia, Szczesny, Kochen, Balde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Gerard Martin, Eric, Jofre, Pedri, Fermin, Casadó, Olmo, De Jong, Bernal, Tommy, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Rashford, Roony, Juan, and Dani R.