Flick addressed the media during his pre-match press conference on Friday, outlining the status of the two key players. Raphinha, who has been in prolific form with 14 goals in eight appearances this term, was sidelined during the recent international break with a knock. His absence saw him miss victories over Getafe in the league and Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Managing Squad Depth and Player Workloads
Regarding Raphinha’s immediate involvement, Flick noted that while the player is eager to return to the starting lineup, the coaching staff is prioritising a cautious approach. The manager emphasised the need to manage the squad effectively given the dense schedule of upcoming fixtures. The return of the Brazilian attacker is expected to provide much-needed support for Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old who has shouldered a heavy creative burden, having featured in all 10 of Barcelona’s competitive matches this season.
Flick also provided an update on Frenkie de Jong, who has been out of action since the World Cup due to a knee injury. The Dutch midfielder has returned to training and is now in contention for minutes on the pitch. Flick praised the 29-year-old’s focus and quality, noting that his availability offers the team a valuable new option in the middle of the park as they navigate a demanding run of games.
The timing of these returns is critical for Barcelona, as the team faces a high-stakes week ahead. Following the match against Real Betis, the squad is scheduled to travel to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, followed by a high-profile El Clasico encounter against Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid just five days later.
