Fermín, Lamine and Raphinha could return against Girona

The defeats against PSG and at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán have turned this October international break into two long weeks without competition, a time that will serve to analyze mistakes, work on solutions, and, above all, recover injured players. The club has full confidence that Flick will be able to count on three key pieces in his game scheme for the next commitment, scheduled for Saturday, October 18 (4:15 PM) against Girona. The match will be held at the Spotify Camp Nou or at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, depending on the progress of the works and the corresponding permits. Everything points to Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Fermín López being available for that Catalan derby after the international break.

Fermín López, the closest to returning

Although the evolution of each player will be decisive, the current feelings are optimistic. In particular, the case of Fermín López invites positivity: the player from Huelva has already completed part of the training sessions last week. After a great start to the season, he suffered a muscle discomfort in the iliopsoas of the left leg, but his recovery is going well. His return will be an important boost for the attacking midfield, an area where Dani Olmo is, for now, the only available first-team player.

Raphinha is racing against time

For his part, Raphinha continues to progress in recovering from a injury to the hamstring of the right leg. The estimated recovery time is about three weeks, a timeline that will be fulfilled just one day before the match against Girona. Although his presence in the starting eleven seems complicated, the fact that he did not travel with the Brazilian national team could allow him to be fit to play some minutes in the second half.

Lamine Yamal, the most delicate case

As for Lamine Yamal, despite the optimism at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, his situation is the most uncertain. As Hansi Flick explained before the match against Sevilla, a pubalgia can last "two, three, or four weeks." The German coach added: "We know more about muscle injuries, but this one is different." The absolute priority is for the young winger to fully recover and arrive in the best possible condition for the Clásico on October 26. In short, Barcelona hopes to have Fermín, Raphinha, and Lamine back in the group after the break. Three players who can be decisive for Flick to restore the team´s rhythm and competitiveness shown in the early matches.