Raphinha and De Jong return for Barcelona’s Betis trip
Barcelona have received a major squad boost ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga trip to Real Betis, with Raphinha and De Jong both back in the squad after injury.
The Barcelona Raphinha De Jong news was confirmed by head coach Hansi Flick at his pre-match press conference on Friday, and by the club’s official squad announcement later in the day.
Flick confirms the double boost
Raphinha has missed Barcelona’s last two matches — against Getafe and Galatasaray — after picking up a thigh injury while on international duty with Brazil. De Jong, meanwhile, has yet to play a single minute this season because of a long-term knee injury suffered in the summer.
“If I ask him [Raphinha], he’ll tell me he’s ready to start. We are going to go little by little and manage his minutes,” Flick told reporters. “The good news is that both he and Frenkie are back.”
The club issued an official medical statement on De Jong: “First-team player Frenkie de Jong has received medical clearance and will be available to head coach Hansi Flick for the match against Betis.” It marks the Dutchman’s first call-up of the entire season.
Why Raphinha and De Jong matter for Barcelona
Both players are central to how Barcelona play. Raphinha had been in phenomenal form before the layoff, with 14 goals and three assists in all competitions, and his energy on the flank has been badly missed. De Jong’s return gives Flick another top-level option in midfield at the start of a punishing run of fixtures.
Barcelona have been note-perfect so far this season: ten straight wins in all competitions, including eight from eight in LaLiga, leaving them top of the table on 24 points — five clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid and Saturday’s opponents Real Betis, who sit third on 19 points.
The timing could hardly be better. After the trip to Seville’s La Cartuja stadium, Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial Champions League tie next week. Flick is expected to manage both players’ minutes against Betis, likely using them from the bench to build rhythm.
Who is still out
With the double return, Barcelona’s absentee list has shrunk to two: Roony Bardghji, who suffered a torn ACL, and Andreas Christensen, who is out with a thigh injury but could return before the end of the month. Eric Garcia is fit despite a knee scare against Galatasaray.
It was a week of farewells and returns for Barcelona past and present: former winger Pedro retired at 39 after a glittering career with the club, Chelsea and Spain. Spain’s football scene is in the spotlight for other reasons too, with Real Madrid demanding LaLiga president Javier Tebas’s resignation and FIFA ordering a partial stadium closure for Spain over anti-Muslim chants. On the pitch, though, Barcelona remain the story — and they are about to get stronger.
The original reporting on this development was published by Barca Universal and Sports Mole.
FAQ
Are Raphinha and De Jong fit for Real Betis vs Barcelona?
Yes. Hansi Flick confirmed both are available for Saturday’s LaLiga match at La Cartuja, though their minutes will be managed carefully.
What injuries did Raphinha and De Jong have?
Raphinha suffered a thigh injury on international duty with Brazil; De Jong has been out since the summer with a knee injury and this is his first squad call-up of the season.
Where are Barcelona in the LaLiga table?
Barcelona top the table with 24 points from eight matches, five clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Betis.
When do Barcelona play PSG?
Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next week, which is why Flick plans to manage Raphinha and De Jong’s minutes against Betis.
