FC Barcelona’s Injury Concerns Ahead of Champions League Match
In a concerning development for FC Barcelona, young forward Lamine Yamal is uncertain for the upcoming Champions League match against Newcastle United scheduled for Thursday. The 18-year-old was absent from training on Tuesday, having missed the previous match against Valencia, which ended in a convincing 6-0 victory for Barça, due to a groin injury exacerbated during international duty with Spain.
Yamal’s Injury and Criticism of National Team Management
Yamal, who has not participated in team practices since this injury flared up, was present at the training facility doing individual exercises, aiming to recover quickly. Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, criticized the Spanish national team’s management of Yamal’s condition, highlighting the lack of care shown towards young athletes. He indicated that the rising star had been unable to train while with the national squad and was administered pain relief to compete in World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey.
Impact of Yamal’s Absence
Before his injury, Yamal had been making a significant impact in his early season performances, contributing two goals and two assists in his first three LaLiga games, along with three assists in two matches for the Spanish national team.
Additional Injury Updates
The situation is compounded by the absences of midfielder Gavi and left-back Alejandro Balde for the trip to St. James’ Park. Balde continues to recover from a hamstring injury, while Gavi has not played since preceding the international break due to a meniscus injury in his knee. Conversely, Frenkie de Jong, who missed the match against Valencia, has returned to training and is expected to join the squad traveling to Newcastle.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead, Barcelona’s next LaLiga fixture will be at home against Getafe on Sunday, followed by an away game against Real Oviedo next Thursday.
