Barca’s Yamal Faces Setback: Uncertain Timeline for Return, Says Coach Flick

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick mentioned on Saturday that Lamine Yamal’s groin injury presents significant challenges for recovery, making his return date uncertain.

The Spanish champions had indicated on Friday that Yamal would be sidelined for two to three weeks, though Flick suggested the 18-year-old winger might potentially be out for longer.

Yamal will miss the World Cup qualifiers with Spain and aims to return in time for Barcelona’s match against Real Madrid in a Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.

“This type of injury is complex, not like a muscle injury. Our coaches and therapists have experience with this,” Flick explained.

“With this kind of injury, it’s difficult to specify if he can play in two, three, or four weeks. It’s uncertain if he’s available for the Clasico. We have to wait and carefully manage his workload. He’ll train with our recovery team during the upcoming weeks, step by step, as we monitor his progress.”

Yamal sustained a groin injury while playing for Spain in September, causing him to miss four games before returning last week.

The teenager, who was recently honored as the second-best player at the Ballon d’Or gala, played against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, experiencing a recurrence of his injury.

Flick mentioned he spoke with Yamal on Saturday, who shared some promising news about his condition.

“I talked to him today. It’s much better than before, but still not in perfect condition,” the coach stated ahead of Sunday’s La Liga match against Sevilla.

Flick expressed his disapproval towards Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, for allowing Yamal to play against Bulgaria and Turkey with pain-killing injections.

De la Fuente responded on Friday, expecting Flick to show more “empathy” given his past experience as a national team coach, but Flick stood firm on his stance.

“I don’t regret it. I want to protect my players,” Flick added.

“It’s in the past for me, and we need to move forward. The key is managing this together, both the clubs and the federation,” he concluded.

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