"Now, according to Javi Miguel of AS, the reason behind Raphinha being benched tonight against Real Betis is because of discomfort. As per the journalist, the 28-year-old winger is dealing with a right adductor strain. It is the same leg in which he had suffered the biceps femoris injury earlier this season and had experienced a relapse. Given the situation, Flick opted to err on the side of caution and leave the superstar forward out on the bench."
"Raphinha had spent two months out with the biceps femoris injury and made his comeback only against Athletic Club. Since then, he has grown in influence game after game, playing important roles in the wins against Deportivo Alaves and Atletico Madrid. While his absence could be felt, the UEFA Champions League game against Eintracht Frankfurt next week is much more important, and as such, it makes sense for Flick not to take any risk with Raphinha."
Hansi Flick named a starting XI for the Betis match that included Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford, with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski on the bench. Raphinha is managing a right adductor strain and previously suffered a biceps femoris relapse earlier this season, after a two-month absence. Flick prioritized caution to protect Raphinha's fitness ahead of the UEFA Champions League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt. Marcus Rashford was selected on the left flank to replace Raphinha and to seize a starting opportunity after limited recent starts. Raphinha had recently returned versus Athletic Club and influenced wins over Alaves and Atletico Madrid.
Read at Barca Universal
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