De Jong Returns to Barcelona Squad but Starts on the Bench Against Real Betas
Barcelona’s midfield reshuffle for the LaLiga clash at La Cartuja
Barcelona will travel to Seville for their ninth league fixture with a perfect record – 24 points from nine games – and the Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong has finally been included in the squad after a lengthy recovery period. However, the coaching staff, led by Hansi Flick, have opted to keep him on the bench for the encounter with Real Betis.
Medical clearance and a cautious re‑introduction
De Jong’s knee injury, sustained during the recent World Cup, kept him sidelined for the entire start of the campaign. The club announced on Friday that he had received medical clearance following a series of positive progress reports throughout the week. Rather than thrust him straight into the starting eleven, Flick has chosen a gradual approach, allowing the midfielder to acclimate to match intensity from the bench.
Midfield options on matchday
With de Jong on the sidelines, Flick has selected Rodri and Pedri to form the central partnership. Pedri will also wear the captain’s armband for the match. This pairing provides a blend of defensive solidity and creative spark, which the Catalans have relied on to dominate early-season fixtures.
Full Barcelona lineup
- Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
- Defence: Xavi Espart, Gerard Martin, Cubarsi, Jules Koundé
- Midfield: Rodri, Pedri (captain)
- Attack: Karim Adeyemi, Fermin López, Lamine Yamal
- Forward: Gabriel Jesus
Raphinha, who has recovered from a recent muscle issue, is also listed in the squad but will not start. His return adds depth to the attacking options, but Flick has preferred to begin the match with the established front line.
Real Betis – a historic start
Betis arrive at La Cartuja riding the best opening run in the club’s history. Their starting eleven features Héctor Bellerín as captain, flanked by a back four that includes Llorente, Gómez and García. In midfield, Bernal and Ceballos will look to control the centre, while the attacking trio of Giovani Lo Celso, Pablo Fornals and Abde Ezzalzouli supports striker Cucho Hernández.
- Goalkeeper: Valles
- Defence: Héctor Bellerín (captain), Llorente, Gómez, García
- Midfield: Bernal, Ceballos
- Attacking midfield: Fornals, Lo Celso, Ezzalzouli
- Striker: Cucho Hernández
Why de Jong is not starting
The decision to keep de Jong on the bench is primarily driven by his lack of any competitive minutes this season. After a serious knee problem, the coaching staff want to avoid any risk of re‑injury and give him the chance to regain match rhythm in a controlled environment. Starting him immediately could compromise both his long‑term health and the team’s momentum, especially given Barcelona’s flawless start.
By easing him back, Flick also preserves tactical flexibility. Should the match develop in a way that requires fresh legs and a different dynamic in midfield, de Jong can be introduced later to influence the game without the pressure of a full 90 minutes.
What the match means for the title race
Barcelona sit atop the table, and a win would extend their unbeaten run and maintain the psychological edge they have built. For Betis, the encounter offers a chance to test their early-season form against the league leaders and potentially close the gap at the top.
Both sides have full squads available, with key injuries resolved for this fixture. The tactical battle will likely centre on how Barcelona manages the transition of de Jong back into action and whether Betis can disrupt the Catalans’ rhythm with their own brand of attacking football.
Key points to watch
- How quickly de Jong can adapt to the pace of a LaLiga match after months of inactivity.
- The effectiveness of the Rodri‑Pedri partnership in dictating tempo.
- Betis’ ability to exploit any defensive lapses as Barcelona rotates personnel.
- The impact of Gabriel Jesus and the supporting attackers on the final third.
All eyes will be on La Cartuja on October 17, 2026, as Barcelona aim to keep their perfect record intact while carefully managing the reintegration of one of their most influential midfielders.
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