Barcelona recall Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong for Real Betis clash

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has named his squad for Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis, with Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong returning after recovering from injury.

The match at Real Betis is Barcelona’s ninth league fixture of the season. The Catalan club will be without Egypt international Hamza Abdelkarim, who has joined the reserve team for their game against Utebo on Saturday, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Raphinha is back in contention after missing Barcelona’s 1-0 league win over Getafe in the eighth round because of injury. De Jong has also been included for the first time this season after completing his recovery.

Barcelona lead La Liga with 24 points from eight matches, having won every game so far. Real Betis are third on 19 points, level with second-placed Atletico Madrid but behind them on goal difference.

Flick’s squad is:

Goalkeepers: Joan Garcia, Dominik Livakovic, Wojciech Szczesny.

Defenders: Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Xavi Espart.

Midfielders: Rodri, Marc Bernal, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Bryan Farinas, Frenkie de Jong.

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha.