Raphinha has admitted he cannot replace the unique magic of Lamine Yamal, as Barcelona prepare to face Real Madrid without their teenage sensation.
The Brazilian striker is expected to return to the starting line-up for El Clasico after a period of absence due to injury, but he has lowered expectations for his role on the right wing.
Yamal has become Barcelona's main creative figure this season, leaving a huge void in Hansi Flick's squad as he continues his recovery from injury. Although Raphinha is considered the natural alternative at right-back, the former Leeds United player distanced himself from comparisons to the 18-year-old talent.
"If I play on the right wing, don't expect anything special because I'm not Lamine. Lamine is a star and what he does...", Raphinha declared honestly in an interview with Movistar, quoted by Sport.
Raphinha's return to El Clasico has not been easy, as he suffered an injury while on international duty with Brazil. The forward was injured in a friendly match in the United States, which forced him to miss the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Atletico Madrid earlier in the season.
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