Hansi Flick Optimistic About Yamal’s Fitness Ahead of Copa del Rey Clash

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick expressed optimism regarding Lamine Yamal‘s injury status ahead of the crucial Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid scheduled for Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium. Yamal sustained a foot injury during Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Las Palmas in LaLiga on Saturday but has remained active on social media, sharing a photo of his bloodied foot.

Yamal, 17, was substituted late in the match and subsequently missed Monday’s training. Despite this, Flick indicated that Yamal might still be able to participate in the match. “We have to wait on Yamal,” Flick said in a news conference. “But I think positively about this, and I believe he can play tomorrow, which is also what the doctor suggested.”

The young winger’s Instagram post included the caption, “But it’s not a foul” with laughing emojis, referring to the unpunished tackle that resulted in his injury. During the match, Yamal suffered three of the 12 fouls called against Las Palmas, prompting Barcelona to call for more protection for their playmakers.

“We cannot say we should protect especially Yamal or other players; all players deserve protection,” Flick added. “If referees fail to issue yellow cards for harsh tackles, defenders gain confidence to make aggressive plays. We need to defend all players.”

Flick highlighted the need to safeguard not just stars like Yamal, but every player in LaLiga, stating, “In Spain, everyone loves seeing one-on-one battles; this style is exciting, and we must protect it.”

Barcelona’s recent win over Las Palmas positioned them at the top of LaLiga, tied on points with Real Madrid and just one point clear of Atletico. They are now focusing their efforts on the Copa del Rey after a previous narrow defeat to Atletico in December.

“The positive takeaway from that match is that we can produce excellent football,” Flick noted. “What we showed was at the highest level. Now, it’s a new game, and we must demonstrate that again. Atletico is a formidable team that has invested significantly and is performing very well.”

Despite a strong defense, Atletico also boasts remarkable offensive players, making the upcoming tie particularly challenging. The first leg will not determine the overall outcome, with the return fixture set for April 2 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone also reflected on the upcoming match, emphasizing his team’s intent to execute their game plan. “We have a clear idea of how we want to play,” Simeone said. “Barcelona has a strong high line, and we aim to exploit it. Against top teams, there will be periods when you suffer, and we must be prepared.”

As anticipation builds for this pivotal match, both teams are aiming for a strong start to their respective semifinal journeys in the Copa del Rey.