Barcelona star ready for PSG and Real Madrid clashes as Hansi Flick faces important decision

Barcelona star ready for PSG and Real Madrid clashes as Hansi Flick faces important decision Barcelona captain Raphinha is ready to play a bigger role in the club’s crucial upcoming fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Following his return to action against Real Betis, Hansi Flick must now decide how many minutes to give him in the two matches. According to Mundo Deportivo , the Brazilian’s recent absence was largely precautionary, with Barcelona carefully managing his muscular discomfort. The club’s aim was to ensure he would be available for two of the most important matches of the season. Barcelona’s cautious approach pays off Raphinha played the final 20 minutes of Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Betis on Saturday, marking his return after missing the matches against Getafe and Galatasaray. The captain had experienced muscular discomfort while representing Brazil against Australia, leaving the match at half-time before withdrawing from international duty. Barcelona have an important decision to make on Raphinha against PSG. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) Although he was not officially diagnosed with an injury, Barcelona decided against taking unnecessary risks, particularly given his previous physical problems. Flick must now decide how quickly to increase his minutes Raphinha’s availability is particularly encouraging ahead of the Champions League meeting in Paris, where he has already enjoyed memorable moments. The Brazilian scored three goals against PSG in the 2023-24 Champions League quarter-finals, including twice in Barcelona’s 3-2 first-leg victory. However, being ready to play does not necessarily mean Raphinha is ready to complete 90 minutes. Flick generally prefers to ease returning players back into action, gradually increasing their workload rather than immediately demanding a full match. That approach makes Raphinha’s place in the starting line-up against PSG uncertain, even though he is expected to feature. Hansi Flick needs to be careful when it comes to Raphinha. (Picture credit:X/@FCBarcelona) If he is fully fit, Flick would be keen to start the Brazilian against opposition of PSG’s calibre. His pressing, movement and goalscoring ability make him an important weapon against elite opposition, but rushing him back could have serious consequences in the long run. Flick therefore faces an important decision ahead of the PSG game, and it remains to be seen how he manages Raphinha’s return.