FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has openly criticized Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal after confirming the teenager will miss Sunday’s La Liga clash against Valencia due to injury.
The 18-year-old winger was absent from training on Saturday, raising concerns about his fitness. Flick later explained in his pre-match press conference that Yamal is struggling with pelvis problems and will not feature at the Camp Nou.
His participation in Barcelona’s upcoming Champions League opener against Newcastle United on Thursday also remains in doubt.
Flick expressed frustration at how Spain managed Yamal during the recent World Cup qualifiers, where he played through discomfort. Despite suffering back pain, the youngster featured for 79 minutes in Spain’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria and another 73 minutes in the following fixture.
“It is a shame because he played with the Spanish national team despite having problems,” Flick told reporters. “He didn’t train between games, and that isn’t looking after your players.”
The Barça boss highlighted the risk of overburdening young talents, especially given Spain’s depth of quality across the squad.
“Spain has probably the best team in the world with top players in every position. But you must take care of the young ones. This situation makes me sad,” Flick added.
Yamal’s absence is a significant blow for Barcelona, who will now face Valencia without their rising star and could be forced to reshuffle their attacking options ahead of a demanding week.
