Barcelona’s European week begins in Paris with Raphinha restored to the starting side, as Hansi Flick confirmed the Brazilian will open against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
The Catalan club travel for the Champions League meeting with one eye already on Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid at Camp Nou. Raphinha’s return gives Flick an established attacking option for the demanding double header.
Quick facts
- Raphinha will start for Barcelona against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
- The Brazilian had been managed carefully after muscle discomfort while playing for Brazil against Australia.
- Tests did not reveal an injury.
- He returned as a substitute on Saturday, replacing Lamine Yamal after 70 minutes.
- Barcelona face Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday, 25.
Raphinha felt the problem during Brazil’s 4-2 win over Australia. Although medical examinations found no injury, Barcelona chose not to risk him in the following matches because of his physical record.
His first minutes back came in the weekend victory over Real Betis, a 5-2 result in which he entered with 25 minutes remaining in place of Yamal. Flick has now made clear that the No. 11 will move straight back into the first XI in Paris.
“Yes, he will be in the starting eleven,” the German coach said.
The match also brings Flick up against Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona manager now leading PSG. The Spaniard’s side arrive with the reputation of one of Europe’s most forceful and flexible teams.
Flick praised his opposite number’s record and the character of his current team, highlighting the French club’s energy, intensity and willingness to take risks. He described Luis Enrique as an excellent coach and among the best in the game, noting that he has won two consecutive Champions League titles.
For Barcelona, the return of Raphinha comes at the right point in the calendar: a night in Paris first, then the familiar pull of Madrid at Camp Nou four days later.
