Lamine Yamal has already missed a number of video games for FC Barcelona as a result of harm he suffered with the Spain nationwide group in early September, forcing the younger star to sit down out the membership’s UEFA Champions League debut. After the Ballon d’Or gala and with an important run of fixtures forward, head coach Hansi Flick has set expectations amongst followers with a optimistic replace on Yamal’s restoration.
Spain kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign in opposition to Turkey and Bulgaria, with Yamal that includes in each video games. After the worldwide break, Flick revealed in a press convention that the 18-year-old returned to Barcelona with pubic discomfort, including that Spain’s workers had given him painkillers in what he described as a dangerous transfer that would have aggravated the harm.
The setback sidelined Yamal for 3 video games: two La Liga fixtures in opposition to Valencia and Getafe, plus the Champions League opener in opposition to Newcastle United. Barcelona, nevertheless, managed high quality in his absence, profitable all three.
In his pre-match press convention forward of Barcelona’s La Liga conflict with Actual Oviedo, Flick gave a clearer image of Yamal’s standing. “It’s very shut, as a result of yesterday and the times earlier than he skilled nicely, and he additionally appears to be like actually good,” the German supervisor mentioned.
FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal with head coach Hansi Flick in Champions League draw in opposition to Atalanta.
Barcelona will go to recently-promoted Oviedo on Friday as heavy favorites, sitting second within the league desk with 4 wins and a draw. With Actual Madrid holding an ideal report on the high, Yamal’s return may present a key enhance as Flick’s facet appears to be like to maintain tempo.
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Yamal’s response to Ballon d’Or runner-up end
Whereas recovering from harm, Yamal attended final Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony on the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the place he was among the many main candidates. The 18-year-old in the end completed second, whereas Ousmane Dembélé claimed the distinguished prize after guiding PSG to a historic treble.
Flick spoke about how the runner-up end can function further motivation for his younger star: “I spoke with him yesterday, and he appears high quality. For him, it’s additionally motivation for the approaching years. You see Dembélé — he deserved it too. It’s voting, and numerous issues can occur, however he accepted it in a great way and is motivated to point out it this season.”
The Barcelona boss additionally highlighted the squad’s total recognition within the awards. “Possibly subsequent season he’ll be an choice for the Ballon d’Or as nicely. I additionally respect that lots of our gamers are on this scenario, which reveals how sturdy final season was and displays our aim for this one,” Flick concluded.
