Evaluating Barcelona’s backup striker options for Raphinha

Coming out of the international break, Hansi Flick will have one big question on his mind.

The Brazilian had fans holding their breath when he was taken off at half-time for Brazil , and sent back to Barcelona for rest and recovery.

We still don't know the full extent of the injury, but best case scenario he makes it back next weekend against Getafe. Flick will know, however, that he dodged a bullet, and if he's not careful with how his manages his most productive player, there could be costly knock on effects that follow.

Coming up this month are trips to Galatasaray and PSG in the Champions League, and tough tests in Spain against Real Betis and Real Madrid.

Flick needs Raphinha in the biggest matches, which is why he needs to figure out his plan B up front so that his striker can be fully fit and firing on all cylinders when the pressure is on.

The obvious and safest choice is Gabriel Jesus. So far, he has been the player that Flick has turned to late in games to give Raphinha a rest when the match is already out of reach.

Context is key here. Jesus has been great in his cameo appearances, but can he do the job expected of him offensively and defensively as a starter in Flick's system?

That's where I start to have my doubts, and I'm sure Flick is going back and forth too.

Another option would be to go with the players who are the hottest at the moment. That would mean Anthony Gordon, most likely through the middle, flanked by Karim Adeyemi and Lamine Yamal.

Gordon hasn't scored yet for Barcelona, but over the break, he has been on fire for England , scoring in all three of his starting appearances. Surely it would be surprising if Flick opts to not play the hot hand?

The bold choice would be to give the nod to Hamza Abdelkarim, the top scorer of the preseason. If he doesn't start getting minutes now, the possibility of a loan move in January will start to become more real. He's too talented, eager, and full of promise, to not be playing. The young Eyptian, in fact, scored again in emphatic fashion for his nation at an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last week.

There are also wild card options. Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo's names have been tossed around. Some have even wondered if Lamine Yamal could be used as a false nine.

Regardless of the final choice, Flick will have to make a decision soon. Raphinha is critical to Barcelona's chances this season, and given his recent injury record, he must be protected from himself, which means giving him rest when possible, and even when it seems inconvenient.

Barcelona are off to a flying start, but they will be dragged into the trenches in October.

The best way to emerge victorious is together as a unit, and that means proving they can win without Raphinha.

The very first test will be against Getafe, who are always a stubborn opponent. Will we see Raphinha in action? Maybe it's best that he starts from the bench, and Flick gets a chance to see who else he can turn to.

The Barcelona players are a showing a hunger that's been contagious. Time to let others feast.