Accordig to reports, FC Barcelona forward Raphinha will miss Saturday's La Liga game against Getafe, as Hansi Flick is reluctant to take any risks with the Brazilian's fitness.
Despite Raphinha's best efforts to prove himself fit, Hansi Flick is being very careful and would rather play it safe than rush the attacker back before he is fully ready. The player has been training alone with the medical staff in recent days after picking up a minor muscle injury during international duty with Brazil.
Willing to fight for a place in starting line-up
There is no doubt that Raphinha is eager to play and prove his quality, but Hansi Flick is not the type of manager to throw a player back into action without being 100% certain they are ready, especially at this stage of the season.
With a busy schedule ahead including the El Classico and key Champions League fixtures, Flick would rather play it safe and give himself more options in the final third when needed.
At the moment Barcelona need Raphinha at his best and the last thing they want is for him to aggravate the injury and require an extended period on the sidelines, so they have chosen the option which will best serve them for the long term.
Gabriel Jesus ready to step up alongside returning stars
In Raphinha's absence, Gabriel Jesus looks set to get another start as Flick looks to build on the 5-2 hammering of Rayo Vallecano. The forward has proven himself to be a world class player capable of switching off the backline with his quality, and he also brings the intensity needed to push Getafe, who are likely to set up a low block.
Not only does Flick have cover in attack with Adeyemi, Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon, but in midfield he can call upon the returning Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman was seen training alone with the medical staff once again today as he continues his progress on the road to recovery. Elsewhere, Joan Garcia has also re-joined the group for the first time since his injury.
While de Jong still has a way to go before he can return to action, Garcia's contribution in goal against Getafe will give Flick more confidence in his hand-picked selection for the game.
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