Barcelona Fears Potential Injury to Lamine Yamal, According to SPORT Reports
FC Barcelona is concerned that standout winger Lamine Yamal could be injured once more in the lead-up to a significant title race showdown with Atletico Madrid at the weekend, as reported by SPORT, sourcing anonymous sources.
The recipient of the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award was recently laid off due to a "grade 1 high right ankle sprain," as declared by the club in early November.
Arguably an unusual move, Barca revealed an estimated recovery duration of "two to three weeks."
Lamine was away for a period of 22 days in total and sat out three games. Two of those matches were the 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad and a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo where Barca let slip a two-goal advantage.
This predicament prompted head coach Hansi Flick to face queries concerning a "Lionel Messi-like reliance" on the 17-year-old.
"It's normal to miss a player such as Lamine. His talent is undeniable. It would be simple to blame circumstances, but we won't do that. We just didn't make the optimal choices," Flick stated in a post-match interview.
However, Lamine has since returned to action for a few matches, showing signs of returning to form in a 5-1 victory over Mallorca and a 3-2 triumph over Borussia Dortmund, either side of another 2-2 tie against Real Betis.
Nevertheless, on Sunday, Lamine had an off performance against Leganes, resulting in their 1-0 defeat of Barca at Montjuic, marking the team's second straight home loss.
As reported by SPORT, inside the club, there is apprehension that the same right ankle which experienced some discomfort against Red Star Belgrade may have been re-affected in the opening stages of the Leganes loss.
Medical examinations will be conducted on Monday to determine whether the Euro 2024 champions have sustained another injury, which would be a devastating blow to Barca's plans against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
With Barca in a domestic slump and tied on points with Diego Simeone's team, widely regarded as Spain's best current side, losing Lamine wouldn't be favorable for avoiding a third consecutive home setback before Culers, who are growing increasingly frustrated with Flick and his underperforming squad.
- Despite Lamine Yamal's return to the squad, Atletico Madrid, led by Hansi Flick's Real Sociedad, pose a significant threat to FC Barcelona in the upcoming title race showdown.
- Lamine Yamal's right ankle, which recently recovered from a grade 1 high sprain, showed signs of discomfort during Barca's match against Leganes, raising concerns.
- Borussia Dortmund, Rayo Vallecano, and Leganes are among the teams that have faced Barcelona recently, with Lamine Yamal participating in some of these games after his injury recovery.
- If Lamine Yamal sustains another injury to his right ankle, it could be a devastating blow for FC Barcelona, especially considering their current domestic slump and their upcoming showdown with Atletico Madrid.
