“I’m shocked. I have never experienced such a situation. I don’t think this is normal »notably launched Luis de la Fuente, the Spain coach about Lamine Yamal’s withdrawal from La Roja’s last two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (the European champions had to wait for the last match, Tuesday against Turkey, to validate their ticket). If you missed it, the last international window offered a new controversy around the prodigy.
FC Barcelona really did not want to see its 18-year-old winger play in the Seleccion, after having already retained him in October… Lamine Yamal, who had pubic discomfort, according to the Blaugranas, therefore stayed in Catalonia to rest a little before the next games (with his club).
Ousmane Dembélé’s runner-up to the 2025 Ballon d’Or, announced unavailable for two to three weeks 10 days ago, is already back in Barça training this Wednesday. As the local press indicates, the little phenomenon could resume from Saturday’s clash (4:15 p.m.) against Bilbao, for the big return to the Spotify Camp Nou! Lamine Yamal only played once in the XXL den of the Catalan city.
Lamine Yamal but also Raphinha
Hansi Flick can take the risk of lining up Lamine Yamal from the start to challenge the fine Basque team led by European champions Unai Simon, Daniel Vivian, Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams (his big brother Iñaki Williams is unavailable until January). The reigning champions are in fact three points behind Real Madrid, who face Elche on Sunday.
Raphinha returns to the competition after missing nine FCB matches, while Pedri will miss out but will hope to return to action for the Champions League clash against Chelsea. Robert Lewandowski could start up front against Bilbao, with Marcus Rashford left winger if Raphinha does not enter the eleven.
The probable line-up of Barça against Bilbao: Joan Garcia – Koundé, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde – Fermin Lopez, Casado, Dani Olmo – Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford.
