With the Champions League league-phase clash between PSG and Barcelona just days away, Hansi Flick has confirmed that FC Barcelona players Raphinha (winger, 29) and Frenkie de Jong (midfielder, 29) are available. As reported by AS, the coach indicated that he intends to manage their return gradually ahead of the encounter with Paris Saint-Germain.
Hansi Flick: “I have to take it step by step with him”
“If you ask him, he’ll tell you he’s ready to start, but I have to take it step by step with him. He has trained well with the group, and his playing time needs to be managed appropriately. The good news is that he will be available, as will Frenkie de Jong.
Frenkie is a top-class player, and I’m very happy to have him back. We need to monitor his progress, as he is returning from injury—much like Rodri. It gives us another option. We’ll have to see how he develops; everything seems to be going well, even in training. He’ll be able to get some minutes tomorrow.”
Two additional options, with playing time to be managed
For PSG, this news suggests the possibility of facing a Barça side with more depth. However, it does not guarantee that Raphinha and De Jong will be in the starting lineup for the match. Flick has emphasized the need to follow a measured process and carefully manage their minutes on the pitch.
How they are used in the lead-up to the trip to Paris will provide an initial indication. Being available means returning to the squad and to competitive action, but lasting an entire match is another matter entirely. Flick’s comments leave several possibilities open—ranging from a stint on the bench to more significant involvement, depending on how they progress.
