Hansi Flick, the coach of Barcelona, appeared calm and satisfied as he prepares for the upcoming LaLiga match against Athletic Club this Saturday. One of the key updates is the potential return of Raphinha, who is expected to be included in the matchday squad after recovering from a delicate injury.
Flick emphasized the importance of being cautious regarding Raphinha’s minutes on the pitch. Given the player’s history of multiple physical setbacks, the recommendation is to carefully manage his time on the field to avoid any risk of re-injury. “He will start on the bench, and we’ll see how many minutes he can play,” Flick mentioned during a press conference, highlighting that he could potentially play “10 or 15 minutes,” which would be a significant step for the Brazilian.
Conversely, Marcus Rashford is unlikely to participate in the match due to illness, which opens up an opportunity for Raphinha. “He has a fever and has been unavailable for training yesterday and today. I doubt he will be ready for tomorrow,” Flick explained regarding Rashford’s condition.
Flick also confirmed that goalkeeper Joan García will take to the field as the starting keeper. The upcoming match marks Barcelona’s return to the Spotify Camp Nou with an expected crowd of 45,401, after spending two and a half years playing at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc.
When discussing the team’s preference for playing at Camp Nou, Flick expressed enthusiasm, stating, “It’s a football field, that’s what we like. We are happy. It can give us a lot of energy because it’s a more enclosed stadium. The fans know when we need their push, and they support us greatly. It’s good to see and feel the strong connection with the team.”
This return to their home ground and the potential involvement of Raphinha are promising developments for Barcelona and its supporters, who are eager to witness the team’s performance in familiar surroundings once again.