Overview
- Raphinha rejoined full-group training on Thursday and could be available for Barcelona's trip to Real Betis this weekend but still lacks formal medical clearance.
- The club said Raphinha's problem was a minor posterior-thigh edema with no muscle tear and he missed two matches as a precaution.
- Frenkie de Jong has also been training with the first team and the coach described him as recovered and ready to be considered for selection.
- Hansi Flick has urged a step-by-step approach and may reserve minutes for both players because Barcelona faces three games in nine days.
- With Raphinha and De Jong close to return the squad's injuries have narrowed to Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji, which gives Flick more rotation options such as Gabriel Jesus and Dani Olmo for the coming fixtures.