Barcelona boss Hansi Flick expects Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong to feature against Real Betis

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong are available for Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis, although he intends to manage their involvement carefully.

Barcelona will face Real Betis at La Cartuja in the ninth round of the Spanish league, with Flick indicating that de Jong could return to action after his latest absence.

Asked about the fitness of the Brazil forward and the Netherlands midfielder, Flick said: “If you ask Raphinha, he will tell you he is ready, but for me we have to take it step by step.”

He added: “The positive thing is that Raphinha is available, and Frenkie de Jong is available as well.”

De Jong’s return gives Barcelona another option in midfield, according to Flick, who spoke highly of the player’s qualities.

“Everyone knows that Frenkie is a top-class player,” said Flick. “I am very happy that he is back and ready. He gives us another option.”

Flick believes de Jong could be involved for part of the match after showing no signs of concern in training.

“Everything seems to be fine, even in training,” he said. “I think he is ready to play some minutes.”

The Barcelona manager was also asked whether de Jong might be used as a central defender. Flick said the team had not spent much time preparing for that position, although the player had performed a similar role in small-sided training matches.

“We have not trained a lot with him as a centre-back, but we tried it in five-a-side games, where he plays a role that is closer to being a defender,” he said.

Flick added that de Jong had returned with a strong desire to demonstrate his ability.

“I can see in training that he is very motivated and completely convinced that he wants to show how good he is,” he said. “That is very positive.”

“He is a top-class player and gives us an additional option. Having players of this quality on the bench forces the starters to perform at 100% of their level.”

Barcelona lead the Spanish league with 24 points after winning all eight of their matches. Real Betis are third on 19 points, level with Atletico de Madrid, who sit above them on goal difference.