Hansi Flick welcomes back his Brazilian winger as the league leaders look to secure the five points required for the title
Hansi Flick has received a significant boost ahead of Barcelona‘s trip to Pamplona, with Raphinha confirmed to return to first-team training after a month on the sidelines.
The Catalan giants arrived back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Wednesday following their decisive victory over Getafe.
The 2-0 win at the Coliseum, courtesy of strikes from Fermín López and Marcus Rashford, has left Barcelona in a commanding position at the summit of LaLiga.
Raphinha will rejoin the group on Wednesday, marking his first full session since sustaining a muscle injury during the international break in March.
The Brazilian winger hinted at his impending return with a cryptic social media update earlier this week, and Mundo Deportivo suggests he is racing to be included in the matchday squad for the fixture against Osasuna.
Barcelona currently hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid, following Álvaro Arbeloa’s side’s recent draw with Real Betis.
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With only 15 points left to play for, the title is effectively within reach, meaning Flick is unlikely to take unnecessary risks with Raphinha’s fitness.
However, the player’s availability provides a major boost for a hierarchy that is keen to secure the trophy before the highly-anticipated Clásico against Real Madrid next month.
Flick welcomes back Bernal as title race reaches final hurdle
In a further positive development for the midfield rotation, academy graduate Marc Bernal is also expected to receive medical clearance this week following a persistent ankle issue.
Flick noted during his pre-match press conference that the return of both Raphinha and Bernal allows the team to get the gears up as they enter a decisive week that could see them mathematically crowned champions as early as Sunday.
Barcelona’s path to the title has become a matter of quick maths for the travelling faithful. A victory at El Sadar on Saturday, combined with a loss or draw for Real Madrid against Espanyol on one day later, would officially confirm the Blaugrana as the 2025/26 La Liga champions.
Even if Madrid secure a result in Cornellà, Barcelona can seal the championship independently by claiming just five more points from their remaining fixtures. This buffer ensures that the upcoming Clásico at the Camp Nou on May 10 may serve more as a ceremonial occasion than a title decider.
