Real Betis vs. Barcelona: Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong fitness status revealed ahead of La Liga battle

By

Matt Law

|16 Oct 2026 14:32Last upgraded: 16 Oct 2026 14:35

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has actually validated that both Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong are offered for Saturday’s La Liga clash with Real Betis.

Raphinha has actually missed out on Barcelona’s last 2 matches versus Getafe and Galatasaray due to a thigh concern that he sustained while representing Brazil throughout the September/October worldwide break.

De Jong, on the other hand, is yet to play this season due to a long-lasting knee injury.

Both have actually trained ahead of the match, and Flick has actually validated the double physical fitness increase for what is forming up to be an interesting clash with Real Betis.

“If I ask him (Raphinha), he’ll inform me he’s all set to begin. We are going to go bit by bit and handle his minutes. The bright side is that both he and Frenkie are back,” Flick told reporters during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

analysis Raphinha, De Jong will go back to Barcelona vs. Real Betis

Eric Garcia is likewise in shape in spite of suffering a knee injury versus Galatasaray last time out.

As an outcome, Barcelona’s only 2 absentees for Saturday’s match are anticipated to be Roony Bardghji and Andreas Christensen.

Flick’s side have actually been note-perfect this season, winning each of their opening 10 matches in all competitors, including their very first 8 video games in La Liga.

The Catalan attire are leading of the La Liga table on 24 points, 5 points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid and third-placed Real Betis.

analysis Who will begin at centre-forward versus Real Betis?

Raphinha is most likely to be called on the bench versus Real Betis, implying that Flick is anticipated to choose in between Gabriel Jesus and Dani Olmo for the area through the middle.

Both have actually played there throughout Raphinha’s lack.

“We need to discover options which’s what we’re doing. Olmo is an extraordinary gamer and individual. For me it’s the mix of ability, football and character,” said Flick when asked about the centre-forward spot.

“I really appreciate what I see from him on and off the pitch. He always gives it his all. He has improved a lot physically in recent months.

“It’s at a top level and gives us a lot of things. It is very good to have him, also for the position of ‘9’. He has shown many times that he can play in this position.”

Gabriel Jesus has actually scored 3 times in 6 looks this season, however Olmo is yet to discover the back of the web in 10 trips in all competitors.