Barcelonavs.Betis

The Spain international was not involved in Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg with Atletico Madrid due to some discomfort.

Gavi was named on the bench, but it is believed that an issue in his knee led to Flick keeping him as an unused substitute, and there had been some concern ahead of Saturday's fixture with Real Betis.

Speaking during his press conference on Friday, Flick revealed that Gavi is available for the game with Real Betis, and he is expected to be introduced into the starting side, with Dani Olmo remaining on the sidelines through injury.

"We decided to rest him against Atletico because he had some discomfort. He has no problems now. I have spoken to the doctors and the recovery team and he is fit to play tomorrow," Flick told reporters.

Gavi fit for Barcelona after injury scare

There had also been some concern surrounding Lamine Yamal, with the Spaniard suffering a nasty cut to his foot following some heavy challenges during the Copa del Rey clash with Atletico.

However, the 17-year-old is also expected to be cleared for the contest with Manuel Pellegrini's team.

"We check everything every day, how the players are doing. But at the highest level, there are always matches all the time and it is very important to recover the players," Flick added when asked about the fitness of his squad.

"My team works hard all around and it's not easy, but when you're winning games, it gives you a lot of confidence. You always have to think about the next game and I really like what I see now in the dressing room."

With Gavi and Yamal available, Barcelona are likely to be missing five players through injury this weekend, with Marc Bernal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Casado and Andreas Christensen absent alongside Olmo.

Flick wary of taking on "tough" Real Betis

Barcelona have won each of their last nine league matches and sit top of the La Liga table, three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, but Real Betis have been victorious in their last six in Spain's top flight.

"It will be a tough game. We've already played them twice and we'll have to give our best. We must concentrate on recovering well and looking for the win," Flick added.

"Pellegrini is doing a great job. He is a fantastic and experienced coach. He has new players like Antony, how he is playing after coming from Manchester United, and the team is playing very well."

Barcelona are chasing a treble in the latter stages of the season, with the Catalan giants also in the final of the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid, while they will tackle Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Written by

Matt Law