Raphinha, De Jong and two more ruled out as Barcelona travel to Galatasaray

Barcelona travel to Istanbul for their Champions League fixture against Galatasaray on Tuesday 13 October without four key players: Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji. Head coach Hansi Flick has a 22-man squad to work with, but the absences span all three lines of the pitch.

Raphinha, Barcelona’s captain and leading scorer this season, did not make the trip after picking up a minor muscle problem. His absence is the most significant of the four, removing both the team’s creative focal point and its most prolific attacker from Flick’s options in Istanbul.

De Jong’s situation is distinct from the three confirmed injuries. The Dutch midfielder has returned to training but has not yet received medical clearance to play, leaving his involvement entirely dependent on a green light from the club’s medical staff. No return date has been indicated.

Christensen and Bardghji complete the list of unavailable players. Christensen’s absence further limits Flick’s defensive depth, while Bardghji’s injury removes another attacking option from the squad.

The 22 players who did travel include three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards. A predicted starting XI reported by Barca Blaugranes and Mundo Deportivo places Joan in goal, with a back four of Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric Garcia and Cancelo. Fermín, Rodri and Pedri are listed in midfield, with Yamal, Gabriel Jesus and Gordon in attack. That selection has not been confirmed by Flick.

The match in Istanbul kicks off at 21:00 local time in Barcelona on Tuesday 13 October.