Barcelona have received a major boost before Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis, with Raphinha returning to first-team training after recovering from a thigh problem.
The Brazil forward suffered muscle swelling, or oedema, in the back of his right thigh during the international break after the friendly against Australia. The injury ruled him out of Barcelona’s La Liga match against Getafe and their Champions League fixture with Galatasaray.
Raphinha has been Barcelona’s leading scorer this season, with 12 goals in La Liga and two in the Champions League. His return to training gives manager Flick the possibility of bringing him back into the squad for the trip to Seville.
Journalist Nil Sola reported that Raphinha had taken part in a full group session for the first time since sustaining the injury while with Brazil.
“Raphinha trains with the group for the first time since he got injured with Brazil,” Sola said.
“He also trains with Frenkie De Jong from the team, both footballers could enter the squad for the match against Betis.”
Sola later added: “The Brazilian and the Dutchman are in line to enter the squad for the trip to Seville.”
Raphinha and Frenkie De Jong are expected to be reintroduced carefully, with reports in Spain suggesting that their group work will be followed by a gradual increase in workload and intensity.
Barcelona travel to face Real Betis five points clear at the top of the table as they continue their title defence under Flick. Raphinha’s availability would strengthen their position ahead of an away match in which Barcelona are expected to be favourites.
However, Barcelona remain without Roony Bardghji and Andreas Christensen. Neither player has a confirmed return date.