Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has raised concerns over Lamine Yamal’s fitness, revealing that the teenage sensation is still recovering from a recent injury and could miss the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Sevilla, Flick confirmed that Yamal is improving but not yet ready to return to full action.
“Lamine Yamal felt fine, otherwise he wouldn’t have played against Paris Saint-Germain,” Flick said. “I spoke with him, and today he seems better, but he’s still not fully fit.”
The German coach added that he had spoken with the 17-year-old earlier in the day to assess his condition and ensure he is supported through his recovery. “We talked to him this morning and explained how we can help. Everyone knows his immense talent, but it’s my responsibility as coach to manage his playing time carefully and avoid rushing his return.”
Flick highlighted the need to balance both the physical and tactical aspects of Yamal’s game during rehabilitation. “When players aren’t at 100%, they tend to rely on their natural strengths. Lamine is brilliant with the ball at his feet, but it’s also important that he remains effective off the ball,” he noted.
On a possible timeline for Yamal’s comeback, Flick admitted uncertainty. “We don’t know exactly when he’ll be back. The injury isn’t muscular, which makes it a bit more complicated. He could be out for two weeks — maybe three or four. We can’t set a precise timeline.”
When asked about the youngster’s availability for El Clásico, Flick was cautious: “I don’t know if he’ll be ready for that match. For now, he’ll continue working with the recovery staff, and we’ll take things step by step.”
Addressing past tension with Spain’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente regarding Yamal’s workload, Flick said: “That situation happened after the last international break. My only goal was to protect my player. It’s behind us now. I don’t regret speaking out — I just wanted to ensure he was being looked after.”
Flick concluded by emphasizing unity between club and country in managing young talents: “The most important thing is to handle these situations together — players, clubs, and national teams — to protect our athletes and help them develop in the best way possible.”
Source:Africa Publicity
