Barcelona is missing Raphinha.

Barcelona are faltering. After a promising start, Hansi Flick's team are showing signs of losing control in both La Liga and the Champions League. They have failed to maintain their status as title contenders, and have even fallen to the middle of the table. Defensive problems, a lack of cohesion in midfield, and declining attacking effectiveness are creating a bleak picture.

One of the most obvious reasons lies in Raphinha's absence. The Brazilian player was out for three weeks due to injury, and his impact on the entire team was evident. Barcelona won six and drew one of the seven matches in which Raphinha played. They scored 21 goals and conceded only five.

When the former Leeds United player left the squad, the results immediately changed: eight matches, four wins, one draw, three losses. Barca's attack still scored 19 goals, but their defense conceded 15.

The numbers don't lie. Raphinha is an irreplaceable source of energy. He not only scores and assists but also draws the attention of opposing defenses, creating space for Lamine Yamal or Pedri.

When Raphinha is present, the wing combinations become more varied, faster, and decisive. When he is absent, Barcelona plays slower, lacks depth, and loses its unpredictability on the right flank.

Before suffering an injury in the match against Oviedo, Raphinha had scored three goals and provided two assists. Flick considered him the most important player in his pressing system.

Raphinha was the first to press forward, forcing opponents into mistakes. His intensity of play was far superior to that of Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, or Rashford. As a result, Barcelona maintained a balance between attack and defense.

Without Raphinha, Barca's strength is diminished.

It wasn't just speed or technique; Raphinha also brought spirit. He fought to the end in every challenge, constantly shouting and urging his teammates on. When the South American star wasn't there, Barcelona looked weak and lacked character. The attack lost its pressure, and the defense crumbled against simple counter-attacks.

The 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League is proof of this. Barça's defense was in disarray, the offside trap was malfunctioning, and the forwards refused to drop back to provide support. This is something rarely seen when Raphinha is on the pitch.

Flick understood that void. He couldn't hide his impatience awaiting his player's return after the international break. During the open training session at the Spotify Camp Nou, Raphinha remained on the sidelines, instructed not to take any risks. Barcelona needed him, but couldn't gamble again after his injury relapsed just before El Clásico.

Three weeks without Raphinha meant Barcelona lost a significant part of their soul. His return would not only strengthen the squad but also mark the beginning of a revival effort. For Flick, it could be the light at the end of the tunnel in a season that has been in decline.