Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick expressed uncertainty regarding the return of Lamine Yamal for the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid. The highly promising 18-year-old winger recently suffered a setback to a groin injury he sustained earlier while playing for the Spanish national team.
Yamal’s Injury Timeline
Yamal was initially sidelined in September, which forced him to miss four matches for Barcelona. He returned as a substitute in a recent victory over Real Sociedad but relapsed during a game against Paris Saint-Germain, leading to a projected recovery period of up to three weeks. This timeline puts his participation in the El Clásico on October 26 in jeopardy.
Coaching Insights
Flick shared his concerns about Yamal’s fitness during a press conference. He stated, “It’s not easy to determine when he can return.” The coach emphasized the importance of managing Yamal’s rehabilitation carefully and confirmed that he would continue to train with the recovery team.
Commentary on International Duties
Despite his injury, Yamal was initially called up to the Spanish squad for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. However, he was later withdrawn after it was confirmed that he would not be fit to play. Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, expressed surprise at Flick’s prior criticism regarding player management.
Additional Concerns for Barcelona
Beyond Yamal, Barcelona faces further challenges with injuries to key players, including Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, and Raphinha. Coach Flick highlighted the need to protect players like Marc Bernal, who is also recovering from a significant injury.
- Yamal’s Injury: Groin injury sustained in September.
- Expected Return: Possibly missing El Clásico on October 26.
- Barcelona Injuries:
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Gavi
- Raphinha
As Barcelona adjusts to these challenges, the focus remains on managing player health effectively. The upcoming matches will be crucial in maintaining their performance in La Liga amidst the mounting injury concerns.
