Barça is breathing a little. After two weeks of absence following a groin problem suffered against PSG, Lamine Yamal put on his crampons again this week at the Ciutat Esportiva. The club confirmed this via a video posted on its social networks. An early return that comes at just the right time for Hansi Flick, as the Catalan calendar promises to be hellish: Girona this weekend, Olympiakos in the Champions League on Wednesday, then the Clasico at the Bernabéu on October 26. Right on time.
Yamal, a smooth return before the Bernabéu
The timing is all the more crucial as Barcelona's offensive sector is taking on water. Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo, both injured during the last meeting with La Roja, will miss several weeks. Torres suffers from muscle overload, Olmo from a calf injury which could keep him out of the field for three to four weeks. Enough to miss the clash against Madrid. Yamal therefore becomes an absolute priority in the management of Flick, who must juggle a weakened workforce.
The reintegration plan is clear: Yamal will participate in Wednesday's sessions, could come into play against Girona on Saturday, then aim for a start against Olympiakos on Tuesday. The end goal? Be 100% for the Clasico. A measured, but necessary, progression. At 18, the kid is already indispensable. His unique profile, his ability to create imbalance on his right wing, has been sorely missed by Barça since his outing against Paris.
Flick points the finger at the Spanish federation
The German coach did not hide his annoyance with the RFEF. Both Torres and Olmo would have felt discomfort as soon as they arrived in the selection, but would have been pushed to train regardless. A lack of precaution which is costly for the Catalan club, already deprived of several executives in recent weeks. Flick will have to compose, improvise, hope that the organizations hold.
The Clasico is approaching. Yamal too. In a context where each absence weighs heavily, his return offers a glimmer of hope. It remains to be seen whether he will be sharpened in time to shine under the spotlights at the Bernabéu. We know the song: in football, nothing beats a player in full possession of his means.
