Raphinha set to return for Barcelona but Flick plans cautious bench role

Barcelona forward Raphinha Dias is close to returning from injury, but manager Hansi Flick is expected to name him among the substitutes against Getafe on 10 October.

The 29-year-old suffered muscle oedema while on international duty with Brazil and left the squad early before returning to the Catalan capital.

Raphinha’s recovery is progressing well and he is likely to be fit enough to start Barcelona’s next fixture. However, according to Sport, Flick does not want to risk the player’s health by immediately putting him back in the starting XI.

Unless there is an unexpected setback, Barcelona’s captain will begin the match on the bench.