Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, is now a major concern ahead of the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid. The 17-year-old forward missed training on Monday due to an injury sustained during Barcelona’s 2-0 win over UD Las Palmas. Yamal suffered a painful injury to his left foot after being stepped on, which left his sock bloodied—an image he shared on social media to emphasize the severity of the incident. As a precaution, the club kept him out of training, although reports indicate that Yamal is eager to play in the semi-final.
The final decision on his inclusion in the matchday squad will be made after the coaching staff, led by Hansi Flick, assesses his condition over the next 24 hours. If Yamal is unavailable, Flick has options to replace him, including moving Raphinha to the left wing, or starting Ferran Torres, who scored against Las Palmas. Dani Olmo, who has been in strong form recently, could also be considered for a starting spot.
Yamal’s injury is part of a recurring issue this season, as he has been fouled 64 times across all competitions, averaging nearly two fouls per match. This has raised concerns within the club about ensuring better protection for him on the field.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid is also facing its own player uncertainties. Coach Diego Simeone is managing several injury doubts but has kept the team focused with high-intensity training sessions. Midfielder Pablo Barrios, who missed the last match due to suspension, is expected to return and could play an important role in the midfield battle against Barcelona.
The Copa del Rey semi-final’s scheduling adds another layer of difficulty, with the first leg to be played at Barcelona’s temporary home, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, and the return leg at Atlético’s Metropolitano Stadium. This means both teams will need to optimize their home advantage and carefully consider the risks of away fixtures.
With a busy fixture list, including upcoming Champions League matches, Barcelona must manage player fitness, particularly with key players like Yamal. The potential absence of the young forward could lead to changes in Barcelona’s tactical approach, as his ability to stretch defenses and create scoring chances has been vital this season. Without him, the team may need to rely on midfield creativity or different attacking partnerships to break down Atlético’s solid defense.
Yamal’s injury has also sparked wider discussions about player welfare, especially for young talents facing heavy physical demands. Barcelona’s medical and coaching teams will likely work on specialized recovery and training regimens to reduce injury risks.
As the match nears, both teams will need to show resilience and adaptability. The outcome of the first leg could influence the tie, making player fitness management and tactical execution crucial for success.
