Raphinha could miss Barca's Copa del Rey semifinal vs. Atletico
MADRID (AP) — Barcelona forward Raphinha is doubtful for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
Raphinha is recovering from a muscle injury and has missed two straight matches. He did not train with the rest of the squad on Tuesday.
The Brazil international hasn't played since Jan. 31 in a 3-1 win at Elche in the Spanish league. He was replaced at halftime during that match after feeling muscle pain in his right leg.
"I'm feeling better, we're taking it day by day," he told Spanish media on Monday. "We'll see if I'm fit for Thursday ... There are options, but we all know how injuries are. I can't lie to you, I'd love to say I can play on Thursday, but I'm a bit short on fitness."
Raphinha has been one of Barcelona's top players this season. He scored 10 goals in 11 matches before getting injured.
Barcelona is the defending Copa champion and has won 17 of its last 18 games across all competitions, with its last setback a 2-1 loss at Real Sociedad on Jan. 18.
The first leg against Atletico will be played in Madrid.
Atletico, which advanced to the last four by winning 5-0 at Real Betis, is trying to reach its first Copa final since winning the competition in 2012-13.
Barcelona reached the semifinals after getting past Albacete in the quarterfinals.