Sofia Quijada
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Hansi Flick delivered a boost for Barcelona on the eve of a demanding week, confirming that Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong have cleared their respective fitness issues and will be available for the trip to Real Betis on Saturday.
The Catalans head into the weekend with a perfect record across all competitions, sitting top of LaLiga. That form faces a stern examination as Barcelona travel to La Cartuja to meet third-placed Real Betis, before a stretch of fixtures that includes a visit to Paris Saint-Germain and a home date with Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Raphinha Nears Full Fitness
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Flick addressed the condition of his Brazilian forward, who has scored 14 goals in eight appearances for Barcelona this season.
“If you ask him, he’ll tell you he’s ready to start, but we’re taking things step by step. We have a lot of games in a short space of time, and we need to manage that,” Flick said of Raphinha.
The 29-year-old picked up a knock during the recent international break and missed Barcelona’s wins over Getafe in the league and Galatasaray in the Champions League.
De Jong Set for Return After Knee Issue
Frenkie de Jong, also 29, has been sidelined all season with a knee problem sustained during the World Cup. Flick confirmed the Dutch midfielder is now ready to contribute minutes against Betis.
“He gives us another option in midfield, and we’ll see how he progresses,” Flick said. “He’s training well and is ready to get some minutes. He looks very focused, and he’s a top player.”
Lighter Load for Lamine Yamal
The returns of Raphinha and De Jong should ease the creative and scoring demands currently placed on 19-year-old Lamine Yamal. The world champion has played all 90 minutes in eight of Barcelona’s 10 competitive matches this season, with substitutions after the hour mark in the remaining two.
“He’s a special player,” Flick said. “We have to manage his minutes, but the important thing is that he enjoys playing. That’s how things are at the moment, and I don’t want to interrupt that.”
Barcelona’s trip to La Cartuja opens a demanding run. Five days after facing PSG, Flick’s side host Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in El Clasico, a sequence that will test the depth Raphinha and De Jong now provide.
Follow TipsGG for the latest build-up and team news ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Real Betis.