Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has cast doubt over Lamine Yamal’s return date, admitting the teenager’s groin injury is more complicated than initially believed. Despite early hopes of a two-to-three week absence, Flick now says it’s impossible to predict when the 18-year-old winger will be fit to play again.
🩺 A Recurring Groin Issue
Yamal first suffered the injury while on international duty with Spain in September. After missing four games, he returned last week against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League—only to aggravate the same issue.
“This injury is not like a muscle strain,” Flick explained. “We’ve seen this before. You can’t say he’ll be back in two, three, or even four weeks. It depends on how he responds to treatment.”
Yamal will now train exclusively with Barcelona’s recovery team, with no set timeline for his return.
🧠 Flick vs. Spain: A Growing Rift
Flick also reignited tensions with Spain’s national team, criticizing coach Luis de la Fuente for playing Yamal with pain-killing injections during matches against Bulgaria and Turkey.
“I don’t regret speaking out. I want to protect my players,” Flick said. “It’s done now, but we need better coordination between clubs and federations.”
De la Fuente responded Friday, saying Flick should show more empathy given his own experience as a national team coach. But Flick stood firm.
🏟️ Clasico Doubt Looms
Barcelona face Real Madrid in El Clasico on October 26, and Yamal’s availability is now in serious doubt. Flick refused to confirm whether the winger would be ready: “It’s not possible to say. We have to go step by step.”
Yamal was recently voted the second-best player in the world at the Ballon d’Or gala, and his absence would be a major blow to Barça’s attacking plans.
🗣️ Positive Signs, But No Guarantees
Flick did offer a glimmer of hope: “I spoke with him today. He said it feels better than before—but it’s still not good.”
Yamal’s recovery will be monitored daily, and Barcelona’s medical staff will avoid rushing him back to avoid long-term damage.
📊 Impact on Barcelona’s Squad
With Raphinha also nursing a knock and Gavi out for five months, Barça’s midfield and wing depth is stretched thin. Ferran Torres and João Félix are expected to shoulder more responsibility in Yamal’s absence.
Barcelona face Sevilla next, followed by Getafe and then the Clasico. Flick may need to adjust his tactical setup to compensate for the missing flair and pace Yamal brings.
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