Barcelona Bolsters Squad as Raphinha and Marc Bernal Target Immediate Return Against Osasuna

Raphinha and Marc Bernal set to receive medical clearance for Barcelona’s clash with Osasuna, while Andreas Christensen’s return is delayed by another week.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 9:18 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Medical Reinforcements for the Final Stretch

The atmosphere at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper shifted toward optimism on Friday morning as Raphinha and Marc Bernal completed a full training session with the main group. Raphinha, who has been battling a hamstring injury sustained during the March international break, appears to have overcome the final hurdles of his rehabilitation. Simultaneously, teenage midfielder Marc Bernal has successfully recovered from a left ankle sprain that forced him to miss the club's last five competitive fixtures. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, both players are on the verge of receiving the formal medical "green light" required to join the traveling squad for the clash at El Sadar.

Caution Prevails for Andreas Christensen

Despite participating in the same training drills as his teammates, Andreas Christensen is not yet ready for a return to competitive action. The Danish center-back has been absent for over four months following a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. While his return to the grass is a significant milestone for Hansi Flick's defensive rotation, the medical staff has mandated a more conservative approach. The club’s current stance is that Christensen requires at least one additional week of high-intensity conditioning to ensure he can handle the rigors of a match without risking a relapse of his long-term injury.

A Crucial Visit to El Sadar

Saturday’s fixture against Osasuna comes at a decisive juncture in the 2025, 2026 campaign as Barcelona looks to solidify its position at the top of the La Liga table. The team is currently riding a wave of positive results, and the reintroduction of Raphinha provides Flick with a vital creative outlet on the wings. Bernal’s return is equally timely, offering much-needed depth in a midfield that has been stretched thin by recent European commitments. The coaching staff is reportedly viewing this match as a platform to integrate these returning players ahead of the season's final four matches.