Flick plans to recall 29-year-old Barcelona star to starting lineup against Real Betis – report

Flick plans to recall 29-year-old Barcelona star to starting lineup against Real Betis – report FC Barcelona are back in action in La Liga tomorrow when they take on Real Betis away at Estadio de La Cartuja. It could turn out to be a historic evening for the Catalans as they could match Real Madrid’s long-standing record of a nine-game winning streak from the start of a league season which was achieved in the 1950s. Leading up to the trip to Seville, Barcelona have received a double fitness boost as captains Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong have recovered from their fitness issues and are available for the match. Gabriel Jesus expected to start Despite the impending return of Raphinha, according to La Porteria , Hansi Flick is planning to opt Gabriel Jesus as his starting striker against Real Betis. The 29-year-old Brazilian international arrived at Barça during the summer, joining from Arsenal in a low-cost operation and has made a positive start to the season. Set to start again. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) So far, Jesus has already scored three goals, one of which came in his first start last weekend against Getafe. Having started at the Spotify Camp Nou, he was benched for the UEFA Champions League clash against Galatasaray in Istanbul. Instead, the manager opted to deploy Dani Olmo as a false-nine against the Turkish giants on Tuesday night. That will, however, change this weekend with Jesus expected to make only his second start for the La Liga champions. Raphinha to be eased back with an eye on PSG As for Raphinha, the Brazilian superstar is the top scorer in La Liga this season, having already bagged 12 goals in the competition. Raphinha will not be rushed back. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) Having missed the last two matches due to a minor physical issue he sustained with Brazil, the club captain is now ready to return, although Flick suggested that he would not be rushed. “If I ask him, he’ll tell me he’s ready to start. We are going to go little by little and manage his minutes. The good news is that both he and Frenkie are back ,” he said . Barcelona’s aim will be to have Raphinha fit and ready for next week’s all-important Champions League encounter against PSG. So, he will get some minutes tomorrow, but will not be starting. Instead, it will be another opportunity for Jesus to feature from kickoff and make an impact.