Gabriel Jesus gains ground at Barça: Flick's plan to protect Raphinha | OneFootball

In Barcelona, they are keeping their fingers crossed for Raphinha. The Brazilian is going through one of the best spells of his career since Hansi Flick converted him into a centre-forward, but now he must face a demanding training camp with Brazil that will take him all the way to Australia and India.

The issue is not only the number of minutes he may play for the ‘Canarinha’. The trip involves around 34,000 kilometres, a strain that concerns the Barça coaching staff just before an especially demanding stretch of the schedule.

And that is where an alternative that is starting to gain traction comes in: Gabriel Jesus.

Gabriel Jesus, ready to take the next step

The 29-year-old Brazilian forward has 64 international caps, although he has not been called up by Brazil since November 2023.

His arrival at Barcelona represents an opportunity to regain prominence and, eventually, work his way back into the national team’s plans.

Meanwhile, Flick has already seen that he can be a reliable attacking option.

Gabriel Jesus has only played brief stretches for Barça, but his numbers have been emphatic: two goals in just 41 minutes.

Two goals to earn an opportunity

His debut for the Blaugrana came in the Champions League against Feyenoord.

He came on in the 83rd minute and just two minutes later found the net to complete the 5-1 rout, heading home a cross from Lamine Yamal.

A week later he made an impact again off the bench against Racing de Santander. This time it was Lamine who received his assist, and Gabriel Jesus once again showed his ability to create danger in limited minutes.

Two appearances, two goals, and one clear feeling: the Brazilian still has the tools to make a difference.

Flick could rest Raphinha

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.