Barcelona's new signing Gabriel Jesus has scored two goals since joining the club but has yet to start a match. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that with Raphinha's upcoming international commitments and the fatigue from travel, Gabriel Jesus is expected to make his Barcelona starting debut.

Barcelona fans are concerned about Raphinha's situation. Fresh in their memory is last season, when the winger was substituted during an international break match against France due to injury, sparking frustration from Barcelona's management and anger from coach Flick. The player subsequently missed the club's Champions League playoff matches. Brazil's extensive tour to Australia and India understandably raises concerns. Barcelona's coaching staff, led by Flick, is closely monitoring the minutes Raphinha plays in three friendlies. Raphinha has been in excellent form since moving to a central forward position, an important discovery by the German coach. Regardless of playing time, the fatigue from traveling 34,000 kilometers is very real.

Against this backdrop, having a striker like Gabriel Jesus in the squad becomes particularly valuable. To date, Gabriel Jesus has made 64 appearances for Seleção across all competitions but has not been called up to the Brazil national team since November 2023. Barcelona could serve as a springboard for his return to the national team, similar to how Adeyemi's club performances earned him a call-up to the German national team. For now, Jesus's availability at any time is a blessing for Flick.

Gabriel Jesus is in good form and extremely eager for more playing time, aiming for his first Barcelona starting appearance. Given Raphinha's physical demands during this international break, following the international window both La Liga and the Champions League will resume. Barcelona will travel to face Galatasaray at their formidable home stadium in Turkey, which will be a serious test. Flick could allow the well-rested Raphinha to conserve energy for this crucial European clash, instead fielding Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI against Getafe at Camp Nou three days earlier, on Saturday, October 12, local time.

So far, Gabriel Jesus has only made brief appearances for Barcelona, but the limited time has been enough to prove he is still sharp and his finishing has not dulled. Two goals in 41 minutes as a substitute demonstrate that the player is in excellent form and highly focused when he takes the field. His first goal came in the Champions League—a header following a cross from Lamine Yamal, sealing a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord. He came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute and scored in the 85th. A week later he scored again in La Liga during a 7-2 rout of Racing Santander with a powerful right-footed strike.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo on September 14, Gabriel Jesus acknowledged that after a serious ACL injury eighteen months ago, he still needed to regain his rhythm and adapt to the team. However, he has been following Barcelona for many years and is very familiar with the team's playing style.

Undoubtedly, this international break will allow him to train with Flick and teammates who remain at the club. This will help the Brazilian player achieve greater success in his integration process and prepare him for his Barcelona starting debut.

Переведено ИИ.

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