Raphinha Steps Up Recovery: Set to Be 100% for El Clásico

Raphinha returns to the group at the perfect time

The news Barcelona had been waiting for finally arrived. Raphinha completed Thursday’s training session alongside the rest of his teammates, leaving behind several days of individual work and taking a major step toward his return.

The Brazilian stayed in Barcelona while the team traveled to Turkey for its European fixture and used those days to increase his workload. He has now completed a full session with the group, although the coaching staff still want to see how his body responds before giving him the final medical clearance.

The plan is not to take any unnecessary risks. If everything continues as expected, Raphinha could begin to get minutes against Real Betis, giving him the chance to regain match fitness with a much bigger target on the horizon: arriving in the best possible condition for El Clásico against Real Madrid.

Betis could be the final step before El Clásico

Hansi Flick has missed several of the qualities that make Raphinha such an important player for his team: intensity, high pressing and the ability to constantly attack space.

That is why the match against Betis could be the perfect opportunity to ease him back without demanding too much too soon. Even a few minutes off the bench would be valuable to assess his fitness before one of the most demanding weeks of the season.

The biggest target comes shortly afterward. With Real Madrid waiting on the schedule, everything suggests the Brazilian should have enough time to complete his recovery and move closer to his best level.

Frenkie de Jong is also back

Raphinha was not the only piece of good news for Flick. Frenkie de Jong also completed the session with the group and continues to make progress after a lengthy absence with a knee injury.

The Dutch midfielder still requires more caution because of how long he has been out and, if he receives medical clearance, his return is likely to be gradual. His comeback, however, would give Barça another important option to control games and progress the ball through midfield.

Flick begins to recover key players

After several weeks affected by injuries, the outlook is beginning to improve for Barcelona. Getting Raphinha back would be especially important at a time when the LaLiga schedule is becoming increasingly demanding and every match carries more weight.

There is still one final hurdle: medical clearance. The club will assess how both players react after returning to full-intensity training before deciding whether they make the squad against Betis.

But in Raphinha’s case, the signs are increasingly positive. If there are no setbacks, the Brazilian should have enough time to recover minutes, confidence and match rhythm before the game everyone has circled on the calendar: El Clásico against Real Madrid.

Raphinha closing in on his return ahead of El Clásico

• Raphinha completed a full training session with the squad after several days of individual work.
• The Brazilian could make his comeback against Betis and begin rebuilding match fitness.
• If his recovery continues without setbacks, he is on track to be fully fit for El Clásico against Real Madrid.

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