Barcelona have two of their most important players back for today's trip to Real Betis. Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong are both in Hansi Flick's squad for the LaLiga game at La Cartuja.


Raphinha


Raphinha picked up a thigh problem with Brazil during the international break and missed the 3-0 win over Getafe and the 4-1 win at Galatasaray. He trained with the group again this week.


He had scored 14 goals in eight games before the injury, and he wants to start. Flick is not promising that. "If you ask him, he'll tell you he's ready to start, but we're taking things step by step," he said on Friday.


The reason is the week ahead. After Betis, Barcelona play Paris Saint-Germain away in the Champions League on Tuesday, and then Real Madrid at Camp Nou in the Clásico next weekend. Flick has said he will manage Raphinha's minutes through that run.


Frenkie de Jong


De Jong has not played at all this season. He hurt his knee at the World Cup in the summer and has spent the first two months of the campaign recovering.


"He gives us another option in midfield and we'll see how he progresses," Flick said. "He's training well and is ready to get some minutes." He is expected to come off the bench rather than start.


His return adds depth to a midfield that has carried a heavy load. Rodri, Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Marc Bernal have shared the minutes so far, and Flick has rotated hard between league and Champions League games.


Still missing


Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji are both out injured and did not travel.


Betis


This is not a gentle way back. Betis are third in LaLiga, unbeaten at home, and according to the club are on their best ever start to a league season. They have also won both of their games in Europe. Flick pointed to their quality in one-against-one situations.


Barcelona arrive with ten wins from ten in all competitions this season: eight in LaLiga and two in the Champions League. A win today would make it eleven.