Hansi Flick has no plans to rest the Brazilian forward against Real Betis. So far this season, Raphinha has played in every match for Barcelona. When asked if Flick might rest Raphinha, just as he rested Robert Lewandowski in the previous match, the Barcelona coach gave a clear response: if fit, the Brazilian forward will play in every match.
In their last La Liga game, Barcelona defeated Mallorca 5-1, with Raphinha scoring a brace in stunning form.
Earlier, Flick rested Lewandowski, the league’s top scorer this season, against Mallorca. Before that, the 36-year-old Polish striker had started in all 20 of Barcelona’s matches across all competitions this season. Meanwhile, Raphinha has played in all 21 matches this season, contributing 16 goals and 10 assists.
Barcelona will play their next league match on Saturday at Real Betis’ home ground. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Flick made it clear he has no intention of resting Raphinha for this game.
“We need Rafa (Raphinha). When he’s available, he plays. If he’s ready for 90 minutes, he’ll play the full 90. The same goes for Lewandowski; he’ll play tomorrow (Saturday) as well.”
Barcelona currently sits at the top of the La Liga table with 37 points from 16 matches, while last season’s champions Real Madrid are second with 33 points from 15 games.
