Flick confirms Raphinha's return for Barcelona
Hansi Flick has confirmed Raphinha will be available for selection when Barcelona takes on Real Betis in LaLiga on Sunday (AEDT).
Raphinha missed Barca's 3-0 league win over Getafe and its 4-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Galatasaray after picking up an injury during the international break. The 29-year-old had scored 12 goals in Barca's first seven LaLiga games this season.
Raphinha's imperious form was highlighted by his perfect hat-trick against Sevilla before the extended international break, during which he both scored and assisted for Brazil across two games against Australia.
While Raphinha is ready to make his return, Flick insisted the club will be cautious with its star forward.
"If you ask him, he'll tell you he's ready to start, but I have to take it step by step," Flick said about Raphinha.
"He trained well with the group, but we have to manage him. The good news is that he'll be available, and so will [Frenkie] De Jong."
Lamine Yamal took more responsibility during Raphinha's absence, assisting three of Barca's seven goals across its past two games.
Flick explained he will have to manage Yamal's minutes, with the teenager starting in each of Barcelona's 10 games this season and featuring four times for Spain during the break.
"It's not an easy question to answer. We have to manage his playing time," Flick added on Yamal.
"But the most important thing is that he enjoys playing football, and that's what he's doing."
Upcoming opponent Betis is third in LaLiga after eight games, level on 19 points with second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Manuel Pellegrini's side also enjoyed some success in Europe during the week, defeating Porto 3-2 in the UEFA Europa League.

































