Lamine Yamal has discovered himself on the heart of controversy after coming back from worldwide obligation with Spain carrying an harm — a serious blow for FC Barcelona as they put together to open their 2025–26 UEFA Champions League marketing campaign. Forward of the debut conflict with Newcastle United, head coach Hansi Flick addressed the ahead’s standing.
Earlier than the Valencia match, Flick revealed that Yamal could be unavailable on account of pubic discomfort suffered with Spain, who reportedly gave him painkillers to play by way of it. The choice sparked frustration inside Barcelona, notably from Flick, who criticized the nationwide group’s dealing with of {the teenager}.
At Wednesday’s press convention, Flick was requested how he deliberate to deal with Yamal’s absence, and he downplayed considerations: “For me, it’s all the time good to talk about the gamers you have got in your group. We all know that Lamine is just not enjoying right this moment, possibly not on Sunday, we don’t know that, we have now to attend. However ultimately we have now a powerful group, additionally in his place.”
The German boss additionally pointed to summer season signing Marcus Rashford as a invaluable choice in assault. “We’ve got Marcus Rashford in our group, and that’s nice, as a result of if somebody up entrance can’t play, he can. He confirmed that within the final recreation, and I hope he can ship the identical efficiency in England,” Flick added.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and head coach Hansi Flick.
Pressed on a attainable return date, Flick admitted Barcelona’s medical employees had but to set one. “I don’t know but, and I don’t assume it’s good to place strain on the scenario. We’ve got a unbelievable medical employees who care about him, and the coaches work with him, however we’ll see how briskly his restoration goes.”
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“If he comes again, he needs to be 100% again — not simply 80. He’s nonetheless a younger participant, and we have now to care for him,” Flick concluded. Newcastle coach Eddie Howe additionally voiced disappointment over Yamal’s absence, leaving Barca to deal with their UCL opener with out considered one of their brightest younger stars.
Barcelona lacking extra key items
Even with out Yamal, Barca cruised to a 6–0 win over Valencia, with Fermín López, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski all scoring twice. However Newcastle can be a far harder check, and Flick can be with out two different essential gamers.
Alejandro Balde stays sidelined after struggling a minor hamstring harm in his left leg earlier this month, whereas Gavi continues to take care of discomfort in his proper knee, the identical knee wherein he tore his ACL again in 2023.
