Barcelona Backs Flick in Lamine Yamal Injury Row
Barcelona find themselves in the middle of a heated debate after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was ruled out of their Champions League clash against Newcastle United. The absence of the 18-year-old winger has left both fans and the club frustrated, and the blame has been directed squarely at the Spanish national team’s handling of him during the recent international break.
Yamal, who had already been struggling with discomfort, was still played heavily by Spain in matches against Bulgaria and Turkey earlier this month. Despite his condition, he was given painkiller injections so that he could take the field—logging more than 70 minutes in each game. Rather than resting him, the decision ultimately aggravated his groin injury. Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick did not hide his anger, openly criticizing Spain’s federation for neglecting player welfare. In his words, forcing a teenager to play almost full matches without proper training in between was simply not looking after the players.
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has now publicly thrown his support behind Flick. When asked about the matter before the team’s game in Newcastle, Laporta firmly stated that the manager was “absolutely right.” His comments reinforced the club’s stance that Yamal’s setback could have been avoided had more caution been shown. Vice president Rafa Yuste, however, chose a softer approach, preferring not to stir controversy and instead wishing Yamal a speedy recovery.
The teenager’s absence is being deeply felt. Yamal had been one of Barcelona’s brightest sparks last season, helping them secure the La Liga title. Now, just as the Champions League campaign begins, he is sidelined along with Alejandro Balde and Gavi, who are also out with injuries. Frenkie de Jong, who had his own fitness scare during the break, is fortunately available again.
For Barcelona, the timing could not be worse. Facing Newcastle at St. James’ Park is no small task, and missing a player of Yamal’s creativity and energy is a major setback. Still, optimism is being voiced from within the camp. Yuste reminded reporters that the squad is enthusiastic and tightly bonded, stressing that their hunger for the Champions League should be transformed into a dream rather than an added pressure.
This entire situation has highlighted a broader issue: the tension between clubs and national teams over player management. Clubs invest heavily in young stars, but when those players are pushed too hard on international duty, both sides end up paying the price. For Barcelona, that price is going into a key European night without one of their most exciting talents.
As things stand, Yamal’s recovery will be carefully monitored, but his absence has already sparked serious debate about how much responsibility federations should take when it comes to safeguarding players—especially those as young and promising as him.
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