Key Barcelona winger not training with squad ahead of Real Sociedad clash

FC Barcelona return to La Liga mode this weekend after securing qualification for the Copa del Rey quarterfinals and defeating Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.

The Barcelona players are enjoying a very positive run, with 11 consecutive victories, and are aiming to continue picking up points to maintain their lead in the table when they take on Real Sociedad.

Raphinha absent from training

The Barcelona squad trained for the final time before travelling on Sunday morning. Hansi Flick knows that he can count on almost all of his players for the league match, with the only confirmed absences being Gavi and Andreas Christensen.

However, according to SPORT, key winger Raphinha did not train with the rest of the group today.

Despite his absence, the Brazilian international has not been ruled out of travelling to Anoeta, and Flick will confirm his decision at the press conference.

The Brazilian did travel with his teammates to the Ciutat Esportiva and trained individually in the gym after feeling some discomfort, but he did not take part in the session on the pitch.

Raphinha absent from training. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Raphinha had finished his recent matches carrying knocks after significant physical effort and was left on the bench in the Copa del Rey match against Racing Santander.

The intention is for him to travel, although it is not yet known whether he will be able to start against Real Sociedad.

Dro also not training

In addition to Raphinha, Dro also did not train. The La Masia teenager has already decided to leave Barcelona during this winter transfer window and will pay his €6 million release clause in the coming days, with PSG set to sign him.

In contrast, Marc-Andre ter Stegen did train with his teammates, despite his loan move to Girona being virtually finalised.

To complete the session, Flick called up two youth team prospects, Lorenzo Oertli and Pol Bernabeu.