Barcelona travel south to Seville on Saturday with their leading scorer back in the party, as Hansi Flick weighs how much to ask of Raphinha after the Brazilian’s thigh injury.
The Liga leaders face Real Betis away from home at 13:30 Brasília time, arriving with a perfect eight-match record and a five-point cushion over their nearest challengers. Raphinha has been cleared to make the trip after recovering from a problem in his right thigh, although Flick has not decided whether the forward will start or be used from the bench.
Flick urges caution over Raphinha return
Raphinha returned to group training on the eve of the match and came through the session well, but Barcelona’s coach stressed that the calendar requires careful management.
“He would say that he is ready to start, but we have to take it step by step,” Flick said. “He trained with the group yesterday and did well. We have many matches ahead, so we must manage the situation. The important thing is that he is available.”
The Brazilian leads the Liga scoring chart with 12 goals from seven appearances. His only league absence came last weekend, when Barcelona beat Getafe 3-0, while he also missed the Champions League trip to Galatasaray, where the Catalan side won 4-1.
The injury was sustained during Brazil’s international fixtures against Australia. Raphinha was taken off during the second meeting, a 4-2 Brazilian victory, and did not feature in the subsequent match against India.
A significant test in Seville
Barcelona have collected 24 points from eight league matches, winning every one, and their momentum has carried them clear at the summit. Betis represent a more demanding stop on the road, however: the Andalusian club sit third on 19 points.
Atlético de Madrid occupy second place on the same total, while Real Madrid are fourth with 18 points. For Barcelona, the visit to Betis offers both a test of their early authority and the possible return of the player who has powered much of their scoring start to the season.
