Barcelona Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Copa del Rey Semi-Final Clash With Atletico Madrid

Barcelona will head into their highly anticipated Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid without five important players due to injury, the club confirmed in an update published on its official website on Wednesday.

The Blaugrana revealed that Marcus Rashford, Raphinha, Gavi, Pedri and Andreas Christensen will all be unavailable for Thursday’s encounter — a significant setback for Hansi Flick’s side as they prepare for one of their toughest fixtures of the season.

The news comes shortly after Barcelona’s confident 3–0 LaLiga victory over Mallorca last weekend, a performance that kept them firmly in control of the title race. The Catalan giants secured their semi-final ticket after defeating Albacete in the quarter-finals, but the growing injury list now presents a major challenge as they look to maintain momentum across competitions.

Despite the absences, Barcelona remain in strong domestic form and currently sit at the top of the LaLiga standings, holding a narrow one-point lead over their closest rivals. However, facing an Atletico Madrid side known for its physical intensity and tactical discipline will test the depth and adaptability of Flick’s squad.

An Opinion Worth Considering

Injuries at this stage of the season often reveal the true strength of a title-chasing team. While losing creative engines like Pedri and Gavi — along with attacking threats such as Rashford and Raphinha — may seem daunting, it also opens the door for emerging players to step up on a big stage.

For Barcelona, this semi-final could become more than just a cup fixture; it might be a defining moment that showcases the squad’s resilience. Teams aiming for silverware rarely enjoy perfect conditions, and navigating adversity often builds the confidence needed for long-term success.

From a fan’s perspective, the clash promises intrigue rather than disadvantage. Atletico Madrid’s disciplined style against a reshuffled Barcelona lineup sets the stage for a tactical battle that could reshape expectations heading into the second leg.

As kickoff approaches, one question remains: can Barcelona’s depth and winning mentality overcome the absence of key stars and keep their pursuit of multiple trophies alive?