Barcelona have been handed a late fitness concern ahead of their crucial LaLiga meeting with Valencia, with Lamine Yamal missing the club’s final group training session before the trip to Mestalla.
The absence immediately raised eyebrows, particularly because Yamal has been one of Barcelona’s most influential players at the start of the campaign. The teenager stayed inside the gym while his teammates trained, creating uncertainty over whether he would be available for Sunday’s showdown.
However, Barcelona supporters have little reason to panic.
Hansi Flick explained that Yamal had taken a knock and that the decision was made to keep him away from full team training as a precaution. The German coach indicated that the problem was not considered serious and confirmed that the youngster would travel with the squad to Valencia.
That does not necessarily mean Yamal is guaranteed to start.
Flick now faces a delicate decision over whether to throw his star winger straight into the starting XI or protect him, especially with Barcelona’s Champions League campaign beginning soon. The coach has already suggested that he will speak with Yamal before deciding whether the teenager is fit enough to begin the match.
The timing makes the situation even more intriguing. Yamal has started Barcelona’s first three league matches this season and arrives at Mestalla after producing a sensational performance against Rayo Vallecano, where he scored twice.
Barcelona also have plenty at stake. A victory over Valencia would allow Flick’s side to strengthen their position at the top of LaLiga after Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis.
There is another major subplot for Flick to manage as well. Barcelona have named a 24-man travelling squad, including returning midfielder Gavi and new signing Gabriel Jesus, meaning one player will ultimately have to be left out of the official matchday squad.
Jesus could also make his Barcelona debut, although Flick has indicated that the Brazilian is not yet at full fitness and may be limited to a substitute appearance.
So, what initially looked like a possible crisis surrounding Yamal appears to be more of a precautionary situation. The biggest question now is not whether he will travel to Valencia, but whether Flick believes his young superstar should risk starting at Mestalla or be protected for the challenges that lie ahead.
For now, Yamal remains in contention, but Barcelona’s final decision could have a huge impact on Flick’s attacking plans.
