Gabriel Jesus set for first Barcelona start against Getafe

Gabriel Jesus is expected to make his first start for Barcelona against Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, after manager Hansi Flick confirmed the Brazilian forward is in contention.

Flick is usually cautious when discussing his starting line-up, but his comments at Friday’s news conference indicated that Jesus could be given the opportunity from the beginning. The match will also provide a test of a three-week physical preparation programme Barcelona have been carrying out away from the spotlight.

The plan was designed to prepare Jesus for his chance after he joined the club in the final days of the transfer window. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona have gradually increased his workload so he can cope with more playing time and become a dependable option for Flick in attack.

Raphinha absence creates opening

Jesus has been given an immediate opportunity because Raphinha will miss Barcelona’s meetings with Getafe and Galatasaray. The Brazilian winger has been converted into a centre-forward this season and is also the club captain and leading scorer, with 14 goals since the start of the campaign.

His absence leaves Flick needing to find a replacement in the forward line. Sixteen Barcelona players were called up by their national teams during the international break, but Jesus remained at the club. He was not given time off and instead completed three weeks of individual physical preparation.

Barcelona believe the 28-year-old is now capable of playing for about 60 minutes. That assessment does not yet mean he is ready to handle a heavy workload, but it represents an important step for a player who did not have a normal pre-season during the final months of his time at Arsenal.

The additional work was intended to improve his ability to build up his minutes gradually. Jesus now needs regular competitive football to recover his match rhythm, having had limited preparation before completing his move to Barcelona.

With Raphinha not expected back until next week, Barcelona’s options are further narrowed. Hamza Abdelkarim does not yet have the experience required to take on the responsibility of starting at Camp Nou, making Jesus the most suitable choice to give Flick greater attacking flexibility against Getafe.

For Barcelona, the fixture will therefore measure both Jesus’ readiness and the effectiveness of the carefully managed preparation programme carried out during the international break.