Overview
- Raphinha rejoined full group training on Thursday after feeling a pinch with Brazil at the end of September and missing two Barcelona games.
- Club tests have diagnosed a minor posterior-thigh edema in his right leg and ruled out a muscle tear, but he has not yet received formal medical clearance.
- Frenkie de Jong also trained with the group and is close to availability, leaving only Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji on the club's injury list.
- Hansi Flick must decide whether to use Raphinha against Real Betis on Saturday or preserve him for fixtures against PSG and Real Madrid within nine days.
- If Flick limits Raphinha's minutes it could keep Barcelona's forward order (Gabriel Jesus has filled the role) stable while protecting fitness across La Liga and the Champions League.