Frenkie de Jong Rests on Bench as Barcelona Prepares for LaLiga Clash with Real Betis

Frenkie de Jong has returned to the Barcelona squad after a prolonged injury absence, but he will not start in the upcoming LaLiga match against Real Betis, as the club aims to maintain its flawless opening to the season in Seville.

De Jong will be named among the substitutes for Barcelona’s LaLiga matchday nine fixture at La Cartuja, marking his first squad inclusion of the campaign after recovering from a knee injury. He will begin the game on the bench.

Having failed to log any minutes this season due to a serious knee problem sustained at the World Cup, de Jong has made notable progress in his rehabilitation. He was medically cleared on Friday, and the coaching staff plan to gradually reintegrate him, preferring to keep him on the bench to build match fitness rather than risk an immediate start.

Barcelona’s return to the pitch is a boost for the league leaders, who sit atop LaLiga with a perfect 24‑point record. Raphinha, sidelined for two matches with a muscle injury, is also back in the squad for the first time since the recent international break. Real Betis, meanwhile, is enjoying its strongest start ever in a league campaign.

Lineups confirmed

Flick keeps de Jong on the bench and selects Rodri and Pedri as the central midfield partnership, with Karim Adeyemi, Fermín López and Lamine Yamal supporting Gabriel Jesus up front. Raphinha, also returning from injury, is omitted from the starting XI, while Joan García starts in goal.

Barcelona’s starting lineup features Joan García in goal, a back line of Xavi Espart, Gerard Martín, Cubarsí and Koundé, midfield duo Rodri and Pedri (captain), attacking contributors Adeyemi, Fermín López and Lamine Yamal, and Gabriel Jesus leading the attack.

Betis line up in a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, with Hector Bellerín as captain, and Giovani Lo Celso, Pablo Fornals and Abde Ezzalzouli providing support to Cucho Hernández up front.

Betis’ confirmed lineup includes Valles in goal, Bellerín (captain), Llorente, Gómez, García in defence, Bernal and Ceballos in midfield, and Fornals, Lo Celso, Ezzalzouli and Hernández in attack.

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