Barcelona have been hit with a major setback as teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is ruled out of action for at least three matches.
The 18-year-old winger, hailed as one of Europe’s brightest prospects, aggravated a stubborn groin injury while on international duty with Spain, sparking tensions between Barça boss Hansi Flick and the Spanish federation.
The controversy erupted when Spain fielded Yamal in back-to-back games against Bulgaria and Turkey despite the youngster already carrying discomfort. Flick did not hold back, openly blasting La Roja’s medical decisions.
“Lamine already went to the national team in pain. He took painkillers and played with the national team in pain,” Flick raged. “He had problems and still played 79 and 73 minutes. That’s not looking after the players. The Spanish national team has the best players in the world, but we must protect them especially the young ones.”
According to Mundo Deportivo, Yamal will definitely miss Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Newcastle, along with La Liga fixtures against Getafe and Oviedo.
Optimistic projections suggest he could make a cameo versus Real Sociedad, but the real target is a Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1, where Barça need their wonderkid at full strength.
Medical reports confirm the issue is centred on Yamal’s pubic bone, an injury first picked up against Levante and worsened against Rayo Vallecano.
Barça’s medical staff are taking no chances, enforcing a strict rehab program including daily physiotherapy, strengthening work, and tailored recovery sessions.
Off the pitch, the club are also working to repair relations with the Spanish FA. Sporting director Deco will meet with RFEF technical chief Aitor Karanka to establish clearer communication protocols around player fitness.
The aim is to avoid future disputes and ensure Barcelona’s crown jewel is not overworked on international duty.
For now, Yamal’s absence leaves Flick short of firepower, and the frustration is clear: Barcelona are determined not to let their generational talent become a casualty of poor player management.
