Flick confirms Raphinha and De Jong are back for Betis clash

Good news at Barcelona's training complex. This Thursday, Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong trained with the group, and everything points to both making the travel squad to Seville, where Hansi Flick's side face Real Betis in LaLiga. The German coach himself confirmed the news in his pre-match press conference, and it was clear a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"If I ask Raphinha, he'll tell me he's ready to start. We're going to take it step by step and manage his minutes. The good news is that both he and Frenkie are back," Flick explained at the start of the press conference. There was no talk of rushing things, but the message was clear: both players are back in contention.

De Jong's case carries an extra layer, since the Dutchman has yet to make his debut this season. Flick was especially pleased about his return and even floated a new tactical idea: "We've tried using De Jong at center back in some situations. I see him very focused and he gives us more options, I'm glad he's back. Everything seems to be going well, he's training well. I think he's ready to get minutes."

Managing Lamine's workload, and the Gavi and Balde situations

Another topic that hung over the press room was the workload of Lamine Yamal, who barely misses a game despite the packed schedule. Flick didn't dodge the question: "Lamine is a special player and I know we have to balance his minutes, but for him the most important thing is that he's enjoying playing football, and right now that's the case, and I don't want to interrupt that."

On Gavi, one of the players who has seen the least action so far this season, the German coach acknowledged a low mood after being left out of the national team squad, though he highlighted the midfielder's response in training: "Gavi was a bit sad about not going with the national team, but what we saw during the break in training was very good. He gives everything, he wants to improve every day. He's the heart of the team: he gives it all. For me he's a top player when he's at his best level, and I think he's close."

The tone was similar when it came to Alejandro Balde: patience, and credit for his effort. "I know it hasn't been easy for Balde, but he's training well. In that position, with Espart and Cancelo, we have two players at an incredible level. But he's being very professional, and that's what I want. In these situations he has to show he's ready for when we need him, and he's doing that," Flick added.

There was also time to talk about a name no longer wearing Barcelona's colors: Abde Ezzalzouli, who was in the spotlight this week in the Champions League with a eye-catching goal against Porto. Flick didn't hold back the praise: "I'm impressed with Abde. I like how he plays, the confidence he shows taking players on, and the goals he scores too. I don't want to say too much about a player from another club, but he's a fantastic player, his level is very high."

Lamine is a special player and I know we have to balance his minutes, but for him the most important thing is that he's enjoying playing footballHansi Flick