The Slovenian goalkeeper has been dealing with a muscle strain in his side, which also forced him to miss previous matches, and he has not fully recovered in time for this crucial soccer clash.

The setback comes at a difficult moment for Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone already forced to rotate his squad during a demanding stretch of the season. Without their long-time No. 1, the club must adjust their defensive approach.

How and when did Jan Oblak get injured?

Jan Oblak is currently sidelined for Atletico Madrid after suffering a muscle injury in his side during March 2026, which forced him to miss multiple matches including LaLiga fixtures against Getafe and Real Madrid.

According to reports from the club’s latest updates, he has been dealing with a muscular strain that required rest and a controlled recovery process. During his absence, Juan Musso has taken over as the starting goalkeeper for Diego Simeone’s side.

When could Jan Oblak return from injury?

Jan Oblak is expected to return soon for Atletico Madrid, as he has already rejoined group training and is close to full fitness, but he is not expected to feature in the immediate clash against Barcelona. His recovery has progressed well after several weeks out.

Recent reports indicate that Diego Simeone is managing his return carefully, with the goalkeeper likely to be available shortly after the Barcelona match depending on his final training sessions. The club expects him to be fully reintegrated into competition in the very near future if no setbacks occur.

How important is Jan Oblak for Atletico Madrid this season?

Jan Oblak remains a key player for Atlético Madrid in the 2025-26 season, starting as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and playing a central role in Diego Simeone’s defensive system.

The Slovenian has already made 26 LaLiga appearances this season, recording 10 clean sheets and 58 saves, while conceding 24 goals, underlining his continued importance between the posts.

The goalkeeper’s consistency has once again placed him among the top-performing shot-stoppers in Spain, with a save percentage close to 70% and more than 2,300 minutes played in the league campaign so far.

Despite a slight decline compared to his peak years, he still ranks among the most reliable keepers in LaLiga in terms of clean sheets and defensive stability. Beyond the numbers, his value to the club goes far deeper than statistics.

Since his joining in 2014, he has accumulated over 500 appearances and become one of the longest-serving and most influential players in the squad’s modern era, recently reaching historic milestones such as over 100 Champions League appearances and multiple Zamora awards for best goalkeeper in Spain.

According to club updates, the recovery timeline is around five weeks, which rules him out not only for this match but also for a key stretch of the season that includes multiple high-intensity fixtures in LaLiga and European competition.

The absence is a major blow for Hansi Flick, who has relied heavily on the left winger’s pace and creativity in wide areas throughout the campaign. His output in big Barcelona games has been decisive this season.

How and when did Raphinha get injured?

Raphinha suffered a right hamstring injury during an international friendly between Brazil and France on March 26, forcing him to leave the pitch at halftime. The injury was later confirmed by both the Brazilian Football Federation and Barcelona medical staff after scans showed muscle damage in his right thigh.

The incident occurred during the March international break, a period in which the winger had been called up for Brazil while enjoying one of his most productive stretches of the season.

However, after feeling discomfort during the match in Boston, he was withdrawn as a precaution, with tests immediately revealing a more serious hamstring issue than initially expected.

Medical reports confirmed that the injury required an estimated recovery period of around five weeks, ruling him out of several key domestic and European fixtures, including crucial clashes in both LaLiga and the Champions League.

Which match could Raphinha return for?

Raphinha is expected to return around early May 2026, with Barcelona’s LaLiga match against Osasuna currently seen as the most likely comeback target. Based on the estimated five-week recovery timeline, his return could come just before the decisive final stretch of the season.

If his rehabilitation progresses without setbacks, the Brazilian winger could also be available for one of the most important fixtures of the season: the potential El Clásico against Real Madrid later in May.

Barcelona’s medical staff are treating his case cautiously, focusing on full recovery rather than rushing his return, especially given the congested schedule that awaits in the final weeks of the campaign.

How was Raphinha performing this season?

Raphinha was enjoying one of the best seasons of his career with FC Barcelona, registering 19 goals across all competitions and establishing himself as one of the team’s most decisive attacking players.

He had become a key figure in the attacking system, contributing not only goals but also assists and high-intensity pressing from the right flank. His ability to stretch defenses and deliver in big matches made him one of the standout performers.

His absence is therefore considered a major blow for Barcelona at a crucial point in the season, especially with tight title race margins and high-stakes knockout fixtures still ahead. Without him, the team will need to rely on depth options to maintain attacking balance and creativity in wide areas.

The match began as a fierce, end-to-end battle, with Barcelona looking the more likely to break the deadlock. However, it was Atletico Madrid who struck first in the 38th minute through a clinical finish by Giuliano Simeone, momentarily sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

The celebrations were short-lived, as Marcus Rashford found the equalizer just three minutes later, restoring parity at 1-1. The complexion of the match shifted drastically moments before the interval when Nico Gonzalez received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the hosts to play the entire second half with 10 men.

Armed with the numerical advantage, Barcelona emerged for the second half determined to find a winner. After dominating possession and relentless attacking throughout the final 45 minutes, they finally found their reward. In the dying moments of the match, Lewandowski capitalized on a fortunate bounce to poke home the winner, securing three points that are worth their weight in gold in the final stretch of the championship.

“Next week, Frenkie will be able to start training with the group. But step by step. We must wait,” manager Hansi Flick stated during his pre-match press conference, confirming the Dutchman is not yet match-ready.

This marks the eighth consecutive game de Jong has missed. Despite his absence, Barca have remained in elite form, recording seven wins and one draw (a 1-1 result against Newcastle in the Champions League). In his stead, young talent Marc Bernal has stepped up effectively alongside Pedri.

Flick prioritizes long-term fitness for grueling April schedule

One of the primary reasons for prioritizing a full recovery for Frenkie de Jong is the congested fixture list Barcelona face in the coming days. Just four days from now, on April 8, Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid again at the Camp Nou for the first leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals.

Following that, the return leg will take place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, with a high-stakes Barcelona Derby against Espanyol scheduled at the Spotify Camp Nou on April 11 sandwiched in between.

Reinforcements return for Barcelona

While de Jong remains out, Hansi Flick received a significant boost with the return of several key defenders. “The positive news is that we have recovered Kounde, Balde, and Eric [Garcia],” Flick noted, solidifying a backline that will be under immense pressure tonight.

With this information in mind, Hansi Flick is expected to field the following probable lineup to face Atletico Madrid: Joan Garcia; Joao Cancelo, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia; Pedri, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez; Marcus Rashford, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres.

His absence comes as a significant development for the Spanish club, given his role as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in LaLiga and a cornerstone of Diego Simeone’s system.

Facing Alvaro Arbeloa‘s team without their first-choice goalkeeper adds an extra layer of difficulty for Atletico Madrid in a match that could have major implications in the title race and European qualification spots. Follow Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid live with us and don’t miss a single thing!

What happened to Jan Oblak?

Oblak felt discomfort during the final training session before the LaLiga match against Getafe on March 14. Medical tests confirmed a muscle strain, forcing him to miss the Getafe match as well as the Tottenham game before the Madrid derby.

In Oblak’s absence, backup goalkeeper Juan Musso has stepped in and delivered solid performances, even sparking debate about the competition for the starting role. Still, Oblak remains the undisputed first choice when healthy.

When could Jan Oblak return to play?

Jan Oblak could return within the next few matches, as his injury is not believed to be long-term, but his availability depends on medical clearance. Early indications suggest the issue is a manageable muscle strain rather than a severe setback.

Atletico Madrid are expected to take a cautious approach, especially with crucial fixtures approaching in LaLiga and European competitions. For now, he remains day-to-day, and a return could come soon if he resumes training without discomfort. Until then, Atletico will continue to rely on Musso, while closely monitoring their captain’s recovery ahead of key matches.

The team confirmed that the goalkeeper suffered a quadriceps muscle tear during their recent match, and medical staff expect him to be sidelined for several weeks. His injury is one of the most consequential on the club’s medical list.

The defender’s absence in goal marks a significant shift for Alvaro Arbeloa’s team heading into this crucial derby and comes at a pivotal time in their title chase. The staff have hinted that backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will take the starting role.

What happened to Thibaut Courtois?

Thibaut Courtois is currently sidelined with a muscular injury in the rectus femoris of his right quadriceps, which is why Courtois was subbed off during Real Madrid’s recent Champions League match against Manchester City, according to the club’s medical staff.

Madrid confirmed the Belgian goalkeeper suffered a quadriceps muscle tear — specifically in the rectus femoris — during the first half of their Champions League game against Manchester City, forcing him off at halftime and out of upcoming matches.

The injury was diagnosed after scans conducted by Real Madrid’s medical staff, who have ruled him out for the foreseeable future while they assess and manage his recovery. Early reports describe it as significant enough to keep him out.

This setback adds to a pattern of muscular issues for Courtois since recovering from past knee problems, highlighting concerns about his physical condition earlier in the campaign.

When will Thibaut Courtois play again?

Thibaut Courtois is expected to be out of action for approximately six to eight weeks, meaning he won’t play again until late April or early May at the earliest.

If the injury follows the standard healing curve for this type of muscle tear, he could miss key matches including Real Madrid’s LaLiga fixtures (like the derby against Atletico Madrid) and Champions League ties against Bayern Munich.

His return might line up with games in late April or beyond, though the team is cautious and monitoring his progress week to week. Right now, no exact comeback date has been officially confirmed.

Although the team’s star is now 100% fit after some minor issues that kept him from training normally during the week, he will start this important match on the bench.

It’s worth noting that FC Barcelona will have a Champions League fixture on Wednesday. In the first leg of the round of 16, Barca drew 1-1 against Newcastle United.

Flick’s selected forward line

Barcelona head into tonight’s clash with Sevilla knowing a victory is vital to reaching the 70-point milestone. Holding a narrow one-point lead over Real Madrid, the Blaugrana look to the front three of Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Bardghji to secure the win.

A successful night at the Spotify Camp Nou would stretch their advantage to four points, providing crucial breathing room as the title race intensifies. The season has reached a crucial point, and they cannot afford to drop points along the way.

FC Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures

• Barcelona vs Newcastle, March 18 (Champions League) Round of 16 second leg
• Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano, March 22 (La Liga) Matchday 29
• Mallorca vs Barcelona, April 5 (La Liga) Matchday 30

In a post-match report submitted by referee Iosu Galech Apezteguia, El Hilali claimed that Mir had made racial comments towards him. According to Apezteguia, the remarks reportedly involved Mir saying, “You came in a ‘patera’,” a derogatory reference aimed at Arabic individuals arriving in Spain via unauthorized means.

Although the referee noted he did not hear the exchange himself, El Hilali’s insistence led Apezteguia to activate the anti-racism protocol, resulting in a three-minute interruption to the match. This stoppage time was subsequently added to the end of the second half.

This incident comes on the heels of a similar controversy involving Vinicius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni. That situation concluded with disciplinary action against the Argentine player from UEFA and sparked widespread discourse on racism in soccer.

Potential consequences for Rafa Mir

If the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) substantiates the allegations against Mir and evidence surfaces supporting El Hilali’s case, the Elche forward could face severe repercussions under LaLiga’s regulations on discriminatory conduct.

• Disciplinary Ban: Mir could receive a suspension ranging from 4 to 12 matches.
• Club Sanction: Though Elche CF has yet to issue a formal statement, Mir’s disciplinary history at Valencia (2024) may prompt the club to impose an internal fine or temporary suspension.

Legal ramifications loom for Mir

In light of the incident involving Vinicius Jr. in 2023, where Atletico Madrid ultras targeted the Brazilian with racist remarks, the RFEF enacted the “Vinicius Law.” This framework could apply to cases like Mir’s.

The enhanced “Vinicius Law” allows for criminal charges and fines for hate speech in sports within Spanish legal courts. If El Hilali choose to file charges, Mir may face legal proceedings stemming from Sunday’s confrontation.

The reality is two of the players are unavailable due to injuries. For Pedri, he is still dealing with a muscle injury in his right hamstring. His return date is scheduled for February 22, for the match against Levante. Pedri suffered the injury after the match against Slavia Praha on January 21st.

As for Rashford, he is nursing a knee injury. Per manager Hansi Flick, “Marcus is feeling better.” However, the German coach won’t risk him until he is fully fit to come back to play. He is scheduled to come back on the same date as Pedri, according to Rotowire. Lewandowski is on the bench due to a tactical decision by Hansi Flick.

Both Rashford and Pedri’s absences by the numbers

Rashford has started 13 of 21 games where he’s played. He has 10 G+A this year in LaLiga. That translates to 0.72 goal involvements per 90 minutes played. Rashford is a very reliable option for Barcelona as well. He can play wide left, wide right, or as a classic number nine.

Pedri’s numbers are not as flashy, as he has just seven G+A in LaLiga this season, though he has played in 16 games. However, Pedri’s relevance goes way beyond just his output. He has made the LaLiga ‘Team of the Week‘ four times, and creates big chances, as he averages 2.4 key passes per game and completes 91% of his passes.

Are Girona a threat to Barcelona?

Girona shouldn’t be much of a dangerous opponent to Barça. As a matter of fact, Girona are 15th on the table and battling relegation. They haven’t won in three games, and have the third-worst home record in Spain this season. At home, they’ve conceded 18 goals and scored just 10 in 11 games.

Hence, Barcelona should be able to get three points, as they are the second-best away team in LaLiga. Barcelona have won eight and tied one game out of the 12 played away from their stadium. When being the visiting side, Barcelona have scored 29 goals, though they have received 18. Still, having Lewandowski as an option straight from the bench is a luxury many teams would love to have, just in case Barça need a clinical striker to solve any offensive issues.

After missing two days of training this week due to discomfort in his left knee—stemming from a sprain suffered earlier in the season—manager Alvaro Arbeloa has opted to start Mbappe on the bench as a precaution.

While the French superstar is expected to be available for some minutes perhaps in the second half, the coaching staff is prioritizing his long-term fitness to avoid a significant setback.

A major factor in the decision to rest Mbappe is the Real Madrid upcoming fixture list. On Tuesday, February 17, the club travel to Lisbon to face Benfica in the first leg of a critical Champions League playoff game. Arbeloa is keen to have his leading goalscorer at full strength for the European clash as the team looks to secure a spot in the Round of 16.

Real Madrid confirmed lineup to face Real Sociedad

While Arbeloa welcomes back Vinicius Jr. from suspension and Franco Mastantuono from injury, the squad continues to be plagued by several high-profile injuries. Jude Bellingham remains sidelined with a semitendinosus muscle tear in his left leg suffered on February 1; reports suggest the England international could be out until April.

Additionally, defender Eder Militao (hamstring) and forward Rodrygo (tendinosis) are also unavailable for today’s match as they are still in recovery process from their respective injuries.

With this in mind, Arbeola will field this XI to face Real Sociedad: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Hudjsen, Alvaro Carreras; Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga; Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Jr.

The matchup featured the two most disciplined defenses in the league, a fact reflected in a tightly contested first half. Neither side was able to break the deadlock during the opening 45 minutes, with the teams heading into the locker rooms with the score level at 0-0.

Real Madrid struck immediately after the restart to take the lead. Kylian Mbappe scored the opening goal of the match in the 46th minute, clinical in his finish to give the visitors the advantage. Despite holding the lead, the visitors continued to press forward and would eventually double their advantage late in the match.

In the closing stages, Villarreal‘s Alfonso Pedraza committed a decisive foul in the area, resulting in a penalty for the visitors. Mbappe stepped up to convert from the spot, marking his second goal of the game and his 21st of the season. With the final whistle, Real Madrid successfully claimed the top spot in LaLiga, securing a vital three points at the Estadio de la Cerámica.