Fútbol Club Barcelona visits Real Betis this Saturday (18:30 CEST) for matchday 15 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26 with two highly anticipated returns. Fermín López, who missed the last two matches due to a soleus injury, will be available to play at La Cartuja, as will Frenkie de Jong, who has been absent for the last three league fixtures.

In the pre-match press conference, the 21st of the season, Hansi Flick confirmed Fermín's medical clearance, who has shortened his recovery timeline and returns just after Dani Olmo's injury (shoulder dislocation).

"He will have minutes, but I'm not sure about starting. Dani was at a very good level, but these things happen and we'll have to manage it," commented the manager regarding the player from Huelva and the one from Terrassa, the latter confirmed to be out until early January.

Likewise, Flick made it clear that De Jong will be available in the starting XI against Betis. The Dutchman was out due to a feverish condition against Atlético and was also unavailable against Alavés for personal reasons. The '21' also missed the return to Spotify Camp Nou against Athletic due to suspension.

Eric García's Renewal and Gerard Martín's Work as a Center-Back

On an individual level, Hansi Flick also applauded the renewal of Eric García. The Martorell native, as expected, extended his contract for five more seasons, until June 2031, after establishing himself as a 'joker' in the Barça defense thanks to his versatility.

"He's doing very well. He knows the club well. He deserves to renew. He's a very important player in the locker room. He could be captain in the future, why not? He gives his all for this club," said the Barça coach regarding the '24'.On the other hand, the manager once again praised Gerard Martín, who, given the break requested by Ronald Araujo and the defensive doubts in the team, has stepped up playing as a left-sided center-back.

"You know what you're going to get from him when he's on the pitch. He's always focused, disciplined. He also contributes when we transition down the left. He's doing very well, that's why he's playing," argued the German coach, who also valued Raphinha's attacking contribution, along with his leadership as captain."He is a very, very important player for us and he has shown why. He always starts the pressing dynamic, he has intensity with and without the ball, he brings us a lot... he is fantastic."

"I believe in my team and I have confidence. I see the quality they have. We have taken a step forward, an important step. When we are well connected and play as one team, everything goes well"

Lamine Yamal's Level and the Fouls He Receives Each Matchday

Flick also had praise for Lamine Yamal, who despite dealing with osteitis pubis continues to perform at a very high level in attack. The coach acknowledged the improvement of the '10' in terms of sacrifice in pressing opponents, as well as his defensive commitment to lend a hand on the right.

"He has improved a lot in defense and also in attack. The level he is showing is fantastic. I love seeing him and having him at this level," said the Barça coach, also acknowledging the character of the Mataró-born player to deal with the kicks he receives in every game, many of them overlooked by the referees.

"I like him because in one-on-one situations, if he's fouled, he doesn't fall, he wants to keep going. Lamine, in 90% of cases he's fouled, but he wants to keep going and, on the third foul, when it's a foul, only 20% of the time does he fall and lose the play," explained the man from Heidelberg. So far in the 25/26 season, Yamal has scored 7 goals and provided 8 assists in 15 games.

Flick trusts Barça will extend their good run against Betis

For matchday 15 of LaLiga, Barcelona arrives in great form, with five consecutive victories that have allowed them to regain the lead. In this regard, Hansi Flick is confident in the team's ability to secure three points against a Betis side they couldn't defeat last season in the tournament (two draws).

"Betis has a fantastic team, players of enormous quality. We have to do the same as on Tuesday (against Atlético). We are on a good run, also in training. The victory against Atlético gives us confidence, but we have to keep proving it," the Barça coach pointed out.

Finally, Flick acknowledged the difficulty of the job as a coach in managing the squad and the morale of all the players. Especially those who get less playing time in each match

"There are situations they have to accept. I try to talk to the players who aren't playing. The most important thing I tell them is that this is the best moment of their lives: to enjoy every training session and match"