Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad on Sunday has been compounded by concerns over the fitness of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who missed the match due to a severe contusion suffered in the Champions League.
The 17-year-old was forced out of the travelling squad for the clash at Reale Arena after picking up the injury in Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Crvena zvezda on Wednesday.
“First team player Lamine Yamal sustained a severe contusion in last Wednesday’s game against Red Star Belgrade,” Barcelona confirmed in a statement. “Over the past few days, he has undergone treatment, but the discomfort has yet to subside.”
Manager Hansi Flick provided an update on Yamal’s condition before the match, saying: “We tried until the end with Lamine. We have to take care of him, he has problems with his ankle.”
After the defeat, Flick added: “I’m not sure if Lamine will be back after the international break. Nothing is clear yet. As soon as we know, we’ll announce it.”
In Yamal’s absence, Fermin Lopez started alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, but Barcelona struggled to maintain their momentum, losing to Sheraldo Becker’s 33rd-minute goal.
The Blaugrana’s lead over Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings has been cut to six points, with the reigning champions still holding a game in hand.
Barcelona will hope Yamal can return swiftly, especially with a crucial match against Celta Vigo looming on November 23.
Image Credit: AFP
