Raphinha (thigh) is available for Saturday's La Liga clash against Betis after resuming full team training, according to coach Hansi Flick. "If you ask Raphinha, he'll tell you he's ready, but he has to take it step by step because there are many matches ahead. He trained with the team and the good news is that he's available."
Analysis:Raphinha has recovered from the thigh injury he sustained while representing Brazil during the international break, which forced him to miss Barcelona's recent matches against Getafe and Galatasaray. The Brazilian winger returned to full training Thursday and has now been cleared to feature against Betis, although coach Flick emphasized the importance of managing his workload carefully given the demanding schedule ahead. Raphinha could initially be introduced off the bench Saturday before potentially returning to the starting lineup for next week's high-profile clashes against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. The attacker has been in outstanding form this season, recording 14 goals and three assists across eight appearances in La Liga and the Champions League. His return provides Barcelona with a major attacking boost, but his minutes could be limited initially to reduce the risk of another setback.
