Where's Raphinha?! Hansi Flick explains why Barcelona captain has been surprisingly benched for Real Betis clash

Brazil international Raphinha was a surprise inclusion on Barcelona's bench for the visit of Betis in La Liga on Saturday, but manager Flick merely said it was to give his skipper a rest after a busy schedule.

He told La Liga TV: "Raphinha? Nothing special. He's played several matches for his country, and we want to be careful with him."

Raphinha is in the form of his life, scoring 27 goals and baging 20 assists for Barca this season. But after playing for Brazil and the Blaugrana over a concentrated period, Flick has deemed it would be prudent to rest the 28-year-old and back his squad's depth.

Flick may have had one eye on the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, in regards to managing Raphinha's minutes.