Hansi Flick: Raphinha and De Jong Back for Betis Test
Barcelona have received a major double boost ahead of their trip to Real Betis, with Hansi Flick confirming that Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong are back from injury and in contention to feature as the Catalans aim to maintain their perfect start to the season before crucial clashes with PSG and Real Madrid.
Barcelona Boost as Raphinha and De Jong ready to return vs Betis...
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong are set to return after injury for the club's clash against Real Betis.
Flick revealed that the Brazilian forward and Dutch midfielder have both recovered and are in contention to feature when Barcelona travel to face Betis on Saturday.
The Catalan side have won every game so far this season across all competitions but face a stern examination away to third-placed Betis in Seville.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Flick confirmed the welcome return of two of Barcelona's most influential figures, with the German coach highlighting the boost ahead of the Betis trip.
Addressing Raphinha's situation specifically, Flick said: “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,” with the Brazilian having scored 14 goals in eight appearances for Barcelona this season.
“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.”
Their return is expected to ease some of the creative and goalscoring pressure currently resting on Lamine Yamal's young shoulders.
The 19-year-old world champion has completed the full 90 minutes in eight of Barcelona's ten competitive fixtures this term, and was only withdrawn after the hour mark in the other two games.
“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.”
Hansi Flick: "Frenkie de Jong is also available. I'm happy to have him back. He's shown his quality in training." https://t.co/pO7i8XBjqt
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 16, 2026
Following this weekend's trip to La Cartuja, Barcelona face a tough test away to two-time defending Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, before hosting Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid in El Clasico five days later.
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