Copa del Rey: Boost for Atletico as Barcelona injury crisis worsens ahead of semi-final clash

Hansi Flick will be scratching his head to come up with solutions as Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final tonight.

The Blaugrana were already rocked by the news of Marcus Rashford’s injury, but now it has been confirmed that they will be without a number of key players for the trip to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

The "injury crisis" escalated on Wednesday when both Rashford and Raphinha were officially ruled out of the travelling squad. Rashford is sidelined with a painful blow to his left knee sustained during the weekend win over Mallorca, while Raphinha failed a late fitness test on a persistent adductor strain.

Flick admitted he was "not happy" with the situation, as the duo's absence leaves him without his primary options on the left wing.

To make matters worse, the treatment room is becoming crowded at a critical point in the season. Barcelona are still without midfield anchors Pedri and Gavi, as well as long-term absentee Andreas Christensen.

While Atletico are missing Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso, Diego Simeone’s side enters the clash significantly more intact.

Flick must now decide whether to push Ferran Torres wide or rely on the versatility of Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez to support Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal in a makeshift attack.

Atletico Madrid will feel confident, especially after the addition of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, who looks an inspired signing.

The Nigerian scored and assisted on his debut for Atletico, and will offer Diego Simeone's men a different dimension to their attack.