FC Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has developed a clear management plan for Raphinha ahead of his return to full competitive action after his muscular injury.
According to journalist Javi Miguel, Flick's ideas involve giving the club captain a 15 to 20-minute cameo appearance from the substitutes’ bench against Real Betis this weekend. The aim is to enable him to regain a sense of match rhythm without putting undue strain on his legs, and to leave him in prime physical condition to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
A gradual buildup for Barcelona’s leader
Flick’s caution in this matter will come as no surprise to anyone who has followed his work as a coach.
In keeping with his general approach to squad management, Flick will look to ease Raphinha back into action at a steady pace, avoiding the temptation to throw him straight into a 90-minute European tie after a layoff if at all possible.
Raphinha’s pressing, movement off the ball and organizational qualities have been vital to the free-scoring form of Barcelona’s attack this season, and a gradual return to full fitness will allow Flick to assess his game-readiness without exposing him to the sort of physical challenge he is likely to face in the Champions League.
His importance to Barcelona’s attacking flair
Having Raphinha fit and firing for the crucial encounter against PSG would be an enormous boost for Barcelona.
The French giants are a vastly superior possession-oriented side to anything that Flick’s men have faced this season, and Raphinha’s work rate is as important to his game as his ability to influence proceedings in attack.
Gabriel Jesus and Adeyemi have both been more than adequate in his absence, but the chemistry between Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have been the catalyst for some of Barca’s most dazzling attacking displays of the campaign.
If the 20-minute cameo appearance against Betis goes to plan with no problems, fans should be prepared to see the club captain leading the line from the first whistle against PSG on Tuesday.
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