When Hansi Flick, Barcelona head coach stepped up to the podium on Saturday, the one thing on everyone’s mind was whether Lamine Yamal, the 18‑year‑old forward, would be fit for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on Oct 26.
Flick’s answer was as clear as the Barcelona sky on a summer afternoon: he didn’t know. The forward had re‑aggravated a groin injury during the Champions League loss to Paris Saint‑Germain on Wednesday, and the club’s medical team now estimates a 2‑to‑3‑week layoff.
Background: A prodigy’s rapid rise
Yamal burst onto the scene last season, becoming the youngest ever scorer for Barça’s senior side. Since his debut, he’s logged five appearances this campaign – four in La Liga and one in Europe – contributing two goals and three assists. Until this week, the teenager had been remarkably durable, missing only a handful of matches due to an ankle issue that sidelined him last season.
His meteoric ascent has also made him a fixture for the Spanish national team, a factor that has now turned into a bitter tug‑of‑war between club and country.
Injury details and the press conference
During the post‑match press conference, Flick described the situation: “I spoke with him today, it’s better but it’s not good. With this injury it’s not easy to say ‘OK he can play in two, three or four weeks…’ We have to manage his load, he trains with the recovery team and we go step by step.”
The groin problem first flared in September during Spain’s international break, when Yamal played through pain with the aid of pain‑killing injections. He returned to club action, started against PSG and then felt the strain again, forcing Barcelona to pull the plug.
Club‑country clash: Flick vs Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach
Flick’s frustration boiled over when de la Fuente called Yamal up for the October internationals despite the youngster’s evident discomfort. The Barcelona side publicly declared the forward unfit, prompting a sharp exchange on social media.
De la Fuente defended his decision, saying: “Here we take zero risks. I always tell the truth. What happened was when the turkey game ended, he had a bit of an issue, but I don’t pick players who are carrying an injury.” The back‑and‑forth has left both camps entrenched, with neither willing to back down.
Marc Bernal’s parallel saga
Adding another layer, 17‑year‑old midfielder Marc Bernal, who is still shaking off a 13‑month ACL rehab, withdrew from Spain’s U‑21 squad for the same October window. Flick had openly objected, stating the teen “isn't ready to play many minutes” after such a serious injury.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) eventually replaced him with Fer López, noting that “player health always comes first.” This decision echoed Barcelona’s own statement that Bernal has logged just 21 minutes since August 2024.
Injury list swelling at Camp Nou
Yamal and Bernal are the latest in a string of absences that have left Barcelona scrambling. The current list includes:
- Marc‑André ter Stegen – shoulder issue
- Gavi – hamstring strain
- Fermín López – foot injury
- Joan García – groin flare‑up
- Raphinha – calf problem
With such depth issues, the upcoming La Liga clash against Sevilla FC takes on added significance. Flick will have to reshuffle his attacking line‑up, likely relying more on veteran forward Ansu Fati or the newly promoted midfield talent from Barça B.
Impact on Barcelona’s season and El Clasico odds
Barcelona sits third in the table, just two points behind league leaders. Losing Yamal for the Sevilla game could cost them three points, and a further absence for the Oct 26 showdown with Real Madrid would be a double blow.
Statistically, Yamal’s goal involvement (0.6 per 90 minutes) has been among the top three for Barça this season. Removing that creative spark means Pep Guardiola’s (though currently on leave) tactical plans will need a quick re‑fit.
From a betting perspective, odds for a Barça win in the Clasico have lengthened by roughly 0.25 points since the injury announcement, reflecting market anxiety.
What’s next? Recovery timeline and possible compromises
Barcelona’s medical staff will continue a graduated load‑management programme. If Yamal shows steady progress, Flick hinted at a possible cameo in the second half of the Clasico – but only if the player is 100 % clear.
Meanwhile, the RFEF has promised a “joint medical review” for any future national‑team call‑ups involving Barcelona players, a tacit acknowledgment of the growing tension.
Fans can expect an update from the club’s website later this week, likely with a detailed rehab schedule. Until then, the Camp Nou faithful will have to settle for speculation over their teenage talisman.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Yamal’s injury affect Barcelona’s chances against Sevilla?
Without Yamal’s creativity, Barcelona lose a player who contributed to 60% of their goal‑creating chances this season. Coach Flick will likely field Ansu Fati or a midfield‑forward hybrid, which could reduce attacking fluidity and increase the risk of dropping points.
What is the timeline for Yamal’s return?
Club doctors estimate 2‑3 weeks of recovery, but the exact date hinges on pain‑free training sessions and a gradual increase in load. A conservative forecast puts him back in the squad in early to mid‑November.
Why is the dispute between Flick and de la Fuente intensifying?
Both men are protecting their own priorities – Flick the club’s league and Champions‑League ambitions, de la Fuente the national team’s competitive edge. The teenager’s recent injections and continued play despite pain have made the issue a flashpoint for broader club‑country tensions.
Will Marc Bernal be eligible for future Spain U‑21 selections?
The RFEF has stated that any further call‑ups will be subject to a joint medical clearance with Barcelona. Given Bernal’s limited minutes since his ACL comeback, he is expected to miss the next set of qualifiers.
Could this injury saga prompt changes in how clubs handle player releases for internationals?
The episode adds pressure on both the RFEF and FIFA to refine protocols around injury disclosures. Experts suggest a more collaborative medical panel could become standard, especially for young talents who are central to both club and country.
