Lamine Yamal is poised to make a swift return to action, with the 17-year-old winger potentially featuring on the bench against Celta Vigo next weekend.
Yamal suffered a grade one ankle syndesmosis injury during Barcelona’s 5-2 Champions League victory over Crvena Zvezda, forcing him to miss the subsequent 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad.
However, the Spanish starlet stayed at Barcelona during the international break to focus on his recovery, and reports suggest his progress has been encouraging.
According to sources, Yamal will undergo further tests in training next week, but Barcelona expect him to be part of the squad facing Celta Vigo. Manager Hansi Flick is unlikely to start Yamal at Balaidos but may utilise him for 20-25 minutes off the bench.
Yamal’s return would be a timely boost for Barcelona, who aim to maintain their six-point gap over Real Madrid. The teenager has been instrumental this season, contributing six goals and eight assists in 16 games.
Barcelona will be cautious, though, having witnessed Pedri’s struggles with injuries following his breakthrough season. The club is determined to avoid similar issues with Yamal.
A win against Celta Vigo, who sit 11th in the league, would help Barcelona bounce back from their surprise defeat to Real Sociedad and keep them on track in the title race.
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