FCBarcelona coach HansiFlick has confirmed that Brazilian Raphinha and Dutchman Frenkie deJong return to the training group after their respective injuries, which opens the possibility that both will be available for Saturday's match against RealBetis at LaCartuja.
On the day of the training session, after Barça's 4‑1 victory over Galatasaray on the second day of the Champions League, the team returned to the CiutatEsportiva with its sights set on the next duel. Among the most relevant changes is the incorporation of Raphinha, who had been out of the team since he was injured with the Brazilian team during the international break. The player suffered edema in the back of his right thigh after the match against Australia on September 29 and, until now, had been doing individual work. Now, upon returning to the group, it is expected that his condition will improve and that he will be able to participate in the squad.
DeJong, for his part, has also met with the rest of the squad. The Dutch midfielder has been recovering from an injury that left him out of the team during the last World Cup. Flick has expressed his confidence that the player can be medically cleared and be ready for the match against Betis. According to the information available, DeJong is awaiting evaluation of medical services and, if approved, will join the training group.
The Barça coach has reported that the entire squad, except for the absences of Christensen and Roony, participated in today's session. Flick has indicated that the decision on the participation of Raphinha and DeJong will be made together with the doctors and the players themselves, based on their “feeling” and the evaluation of their physical condition. The coach has made it clear that his objective is to have as many players available for Saturday's game, although the availability of both is not guaranteed.
In order to maximize the team's performance, Flick has decided that assessing the condition of Raphinha and DeJong will be a key factor in selecting the starting lineup. The club hopes that both players can contribute their experience and skills to Barça's game in the next confrontation with Betis. The final decision will be made before the official call-up, which will allow the coach to adjust the strategy according to the availability of the two midfielders.