Raphinha is fit to return for Barcelona against Real Betis, but Hansi Flick says the winger’s minutes will be carefully managed

Barcelona have received a major boost ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash with Real Betis as winger Raphinha returns from injury.

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The Brazilian has been declared available for the trip to face Betis after returning to full team training, but head coach Hansi Flick has warned that his comeback will be handled carefully.

Flick confirmed on Friday that Raphinha and midfielder Frenkie de Jong are both available for the encounter in Seville.

Raphinha had picked up a thigh injury while on international duty with Brazil during the recent international break, forcing him to miss Barcelona’s league meeting with Getafe and their Champions League victory over Galatasaray.

The 29-year-old returned to training with his teammates on Thursday, paving the way for his inclusion in the squad against Betis.

However, Flick is not prepared to rush the winger back into full action.

“If you ask him, he’ll be ready from the beginning, but I have to take it step by step,” Flick said, according to reports from his pre-match press conference.

The Barcelona manager pointed to the club’s demanding fixture schedule as a reason for managing Raphinha’s workload.

Flick is expected to consider the Brazilian’s fitness carefully, with Barcelona facing a packed run of important fixtures in the coming days.

After the Betis encounter, Barcelona are scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League before the first Clásico of the season against Real Madrid.

Raphinha’s return therefore comes at a crucial moment for Flick’s side, who will need their attacking options available during a challenging stretch of the campaign.

The Brazilian had been in impressive form before his injury, making his availability another welcome development for Barcelona.

Flick will now have to decide how much game time to give him against Betis, with the priority appearing to be ensuring that the winger makes a safe return rather than immediately playing a full match.

Meanwhile, De Jong has also been cleared to feature after a lengthy absence. Flick welcomed the midfielder’s return, describing him as another valuable option for the squad.

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For Barcelona, the return of Raphinha and De Jong provides timely depth as the club prepares for a demanding sequence of domestic and European fixtures.