Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday without the services of their left wingers, Marcus Rashford and Raphinha. Raphinha is still recovering from a thigh strain, while Rashford has not trained due to a knee injury he sustained during Barcelona's recent La Liga match against Real Mallorca. Coach Flick expressed concern over Rashford's condition, emphasizing the need for caution as they assess his injury.

Flick highlighted the importance of being cautious with player injuries, especially with a key match on the horizon. He noted that Raphinha's recovery will be approached carefully, acknowledging the player's high-intensity playing style and the need for proper recovery before his return to the field. This cautious approach reflects the club's strategy of prioritizing player health, especially as they aim to defend their Copa del Rey title.

The absence of both players significantly impacts Barcelona's tactical options as they prepare for this crucial cup clash. With the Copa del Rey being a prestigious competition in Spanish football, the team will need to adapt and rely on their remaining squad members to fill the gap left by these key injuries. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Barcelona's strategy unfolds in this pivotal match against one of their fiercest rivals.