Lamine Yamal’s Fitness Concerns Ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League Clash

Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, announced on Friday that Lamine Yamal, the promising young forward, will not participate in any matches until he is fully fit. This decision leaves his availability for the upcoming Champions League match against Brest uncertain. The announcement came during a press conference where Flick highlighted the team’s need to adapt in Yamal’s absence.

Flick referred to the forthcoming game against Celta as a «good test» for the Barcelona squad to demonstrate their ability to cope without Yamal. The Catalan team previously struggled in La Liga, losing both matches against Osasuna and Real Sociedad without Yamal in the starting lineup. In San Sebastián, he was left out of the final squad due to an ankle injury despite traveling with the team.

Addressing questions about the team’s reliance on Yamal, Flick remarked, «In San Sebastián, against Real Sociedad, we didn’t play well. It was the whole team, and the defeat wasn’t because Lamine wasn’t there.» Flick stressed the importance of the upcoming match against Celta, noting its significance as «the first after the break» and «right after a defeat.»

While Yamal recovers, questions linger over the fitness of Èric García and Ferran Torres, who have not been training at the same intensity as their teammates. In contrast, Gavi has been training normally and is expected to start. Flick expressed confidence in the midfield starlet’s readiness, highlighting various players like Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Fermín, who could fill Yamal’s role.

Yamal has had a significant impact this season with six goals and eight assists, playing a critical role in Barcelona’s offense. Despite his contribution, Barcelona still boasts talents like Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. Flick remains cautious about over-reliance on a 17-year-old, whose absence in the defeat at Anoeta marked the first time this season that Barcelona failed to score, bringing their tally to 40 goals in 13 matches.

Other injuries continue to plague the team, with Marc-André ter Stegen and Ronald Araújo currently sidelined. However, Araújo may return to training by Sunday. Barcelona remains at the top of La Liga standings, leading Real Madrid by six points, and Flick will be eager to maintain this momentum in the matches to come.