Barcelona bagged an impressive 6-0 win against Valencia in their fourth La Liga match of the campaign on September 14, at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
With this victory, Barcelona move up to second place in the league table with 10 points in four matches. Now, the Catalan club will be playing in their first Champions League game of the 2025/26 season this week.
Barcelona's match against Valencia saw Lamine Yamal missing in action after the talented La Masia graduate's discomfort turned into a major issue during his recent international duty against Spain.
Speaking after the clash, Barca head coach Hansi Flick addressed Yamal's situation, which included the 18-year-old joining the La Roja camp with a pre-existing groin issue and being on the pitch for a significant time against Bulgaria and Turkey.
The German manager called out the national team for 'not looking after the players,' and said,
"Lamine already went to the national team in pain. He took painkillers and played with the national team in pain. He had problems, and played 79 and 73 minutes. That's not looking after the players. The Spanish national team has the best players in the world, but we should be looking after the professionals. Also the young players," as per GOAL.
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Several reports have suggested that Yamal, who was unable to train with the rest of the team on Monday, is on the path to recovery, but his presence in Barca's next game remains uncertain.
A report from Mundo Deportivo also claimed that it will take 'a miracle' for the winger to return to action in Barcelona's Champions League opener against Newcastle United on September 18, at St. James' Park.
Barcelona sporting director to hold talks with Royal Spanish Football Federation
Barcelona sporting director Deco is to hold discussions with the Royal Spanish Football Federation technical director, Aitor Karanka, to work on communication protocols after Yamal's incident, according to Marca.
The RFEF was reportedly aware of Yamal's discomfort, with one of the national team's physiotherapists also working with him at Barcelona.
The talks between Deco and Karanka would reportedly focus on improving communications between clubs and the national team for players' welfare and avoiding situations similar to Yamal's.
Reports have also suggested that Flick would not rush Yamal back to the pitch based on the significance of the upcoming matches, allowing Barca's No.10 time to fully recover and regain his fitness.
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