Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has confirmed Lamine Yamal will make his return to the Barcelona squad for their clash with Real Sociedad on Sunday evening. The 17-year-old had been nursing a groin injury, but will make an appearance for the Blaugrana as they look to keep the pressure up on league leaders Real Madrid whose struggles against Atletico could open up an opportunity.
Yamal to return after short absence with injury
Barcelona had to cope without their Ballon d'Or runner-up Yamal who was sidelined with injury for a short period. The youngster is yet to feature for the club since starring in the international break with Spain against Bulgaria and Turkey, missing league games against Valencia, Getafe and Real Oviedo, as well as a Champions League trip to Newcastle. Fortunately for Flick, he was able to rely on the strength of his squad depth to fill the void left by Yamal, winning each of the four games and scoring 14 goals in the process. Barcelona host a struggling Real Sociedad on Sunday and Yamal will likely play a small part, with the aim of boosting his match fitness ahead of tougher challenges to come. Flick's team host European champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, although there will be no showdown between Yamal and Golden Ball winner Ousmane Dembele as the Frenchman is currently sidelined through injury.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesFlick expects Yamal to make his return
Speaking before the game against Sociedad, the German coach was quizzed on Yamal. First asked if Yamal will play, Flick told a press conference: "Whether he's on the bench or starting, he'll get minutes."
Flick added that he was not concerned with worrying about any chance of a potential injury setback for the young winger. He stated: "We're glad he's back and we don't think about these things [re-injury]."
Questioned why his players seemingly pick up more injuries that other clubs, the Barcelona boss played down any suggestion that there was a reason. He said: "It's not normal for us, but some injuries happen. What we're doing is reviewing the situations to find some reasons; that's our job. We're a great team, and we analyse every game, training session… and we adapt."
Emerging injury crisis at Barcelona
The injury list at Barcelona seems to grow with every game. The club's first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia is expected to miss much of the next two months and is in a race to be fit in time for El Clasico. The Spanish shot stopper has undergone knee surgery and could be out for as long as six weeks. Flick admitted that it was "not good news" to lose their number one, but backed reserve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to step up in Garcia's absence. He said: "Last season we won three titles with him [Szczesny]. He's a fantastic goalkeeper and person; I have no doubts about him."
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez are also out injured along with Barcelona midfielder Gavi. The 21-year-old has already suffered a number of serious injuries in his short career and is expected to be out for several months again after having surgery on yet another knee issue. Gavi was visited by Yamal in hospital and will no doubt be devastated to see his career curtailed by yet more pain and injury.
Yamal's return will offer a slight relief for Barcelona, who have been growing frustrated with the treatment of the youngster by the Spanish national team. Flick has been regularly outspoken against the use of the youngster and Luis de la Fuente's decision to keep playing the winger despite suffering various small injuries. Yamal has been playing for Spain with painkillers, angering the Blaugrana who feel that his issues may be exacerbated by consistent selection through pain.
Flick slammed the Spanish boss, stating: "They gave him painkillers and he played 73 and 79 minutes. And between the matches, he didn't train. That's not taking care of the players. Spain has the best players and the best national team, but they haven't taken care of the players, and that's what I can say. I'm very disappointed."
Getty Images SportReal Madrid's defeat opens up the door for Barcelona
Barcelona will look to seize control of the Liga title race and jump to top spot with victory over Sociedad. The Blaugrana currently sit second, behind Real Madrid, but Los Blancos’ defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday will allow Barcelona to pounce. Asked whether he would look to rotate his squad against Sociedad, given the upcoming clash with PSG, Flick brushed off the suggestion. “We're always focused on the next game, and that's tomorrow against Real Sociedad,” he said. “We'll see how we prepare to host PSG. Right now, we've got four wins and we want to continue that. It doesn't matter how many games we have injured, we focus on those who are available.”
Flick will be determined to make the most of Xabi Alonso's side's slip-up in the derby, but ensuring no more star players fall injured ahead of the big European game will also be imperative. It will be a tricky balance to strike for the German coach.
