Lamine Yamal has missed several games this season due to groin problems, but he is likely to be available for La Liga’s biggest game of the season. He may even return before El Clásico.
Hansi Flick did not want to look for excuses after the bitter 1-4 defeat in Seville, perhaps the worst game under his leadership. However, he did not leave the Catalans’ injury problems entirely uncommented. He said it was “important” that several players would return from injury after the international break, “we need them.”
And none more urgently needed than Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old missed his fourth league game of the season against Sevilla. He had returned at the end of September and made an important assist as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. Three days later, he was also involved in the Champions League top match, but then suffered a setback.
Flick spoke of a “complicated injury” ahead of the game against Sevilla. “It’s not easy to say whether he’ll be able to play in two or three weeks.” A statement that caught the attention of Barcelona fans, especially with the first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid coming up on October 26.
Joker against Girona?
But it looks like Yamal won’t miss the showdown. According to Marca, everything points to the attacker being at the Bernabeu. The striker is following a “demanding recovery plan” in Barcelona and, “according to current forecasts,” could even be available as a substitute for the upcoming league match against Girona on October 18. Three days later, the Catalans will be back at home for their Champions League match against Olympiacos Piraeus.
A controversy had erupted between Flick and Spanish national coach Luis de la Fuente over Yamal, as the winger had returned injured after the international break in early September. Flick accused his colleague of playing Yamal despite his pain. De La Fuente, meanwhile, accused Flick of lacking empathy. The conflict has since been resolved.
In addition to Yamal, other important players are currently unavailable for the Catalans. Flick will have to do without Raphinha, Fermin, Gavi, and the two goalkeepers Joan García and Marc-André ter Stegen for the time being.
