Marca: Yamal and Fermin are expected to catch up with Girona, but Rafinia is likely not

"Marca" reported that Barcelona is confident of welcoming back Yamal and Fermin in the game against Girona on October 18, but Rafinha may not be able to return so soon.

Barcelona are very optimistic that Yamal can catch up with the game against Girona. If his recovery progress is in line with the established timetable, he will be able to enter the squad and get some playing time. The club's primary goal is to allow him to reach his best condition against Olympiacos and Real Madrid.

The other two players to return are Fermin and Rafinha. The former's recovery is progressing very well and he is already undergoing high-intensity training. Unless there is a major accident, he will be able to play against Girona. Fermin injured the iliopsoas muscle in his left leg against Getafe. The club's medical report estimated that the injury time is three weeks, so for one more week, he will be able to wait for Flick's disposal.

The situation of Raphinha is not so clear. The Brazilian player was injured a few days later, specifically in Barcelona's game against Real Oviedo. The forward suffered an injury to the middle part of his right thigh biceps femoris. The expected injury time is also three weeks, and the deadline is two days before the game. Flick has never supported allowing players to return early, and considering the characteristics of Raphinha's injury, he will not do so this time. The Brazilian is a very explosive player and if the injury does not fully heal, it could relapse, causing him to be sidelined for a longer period of time.

Considering that the two games after the Girona game are against Olympiacos (no more losses in the Champions League) and Real Madrid (a contest related to the trend of the league), the most logical approach is not to include Rafinha in the squad against Girona. While the game is still days away, the current prediction is that he won't be ready for that game.