Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed on 13/9 that Lamine Yamal will miss the upcoming match against Valencia due to a groin injury. The 16-year-old forward is also doubtful for Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Newcastle next week. "He joined the national team already injured," Flick said. "They gave Yamal painkillers so he could play, more than 70 minutes each game, even though Spain were already three goals ahead. Between matches, Yamal couldn't train at all. That's not the way to take care of a player."

Coach Hansi Flick blames Luis de la Fuente for Lamine Yamal’s overuse. Photo: BeIN Sports

Coach Hansi Flick blames Luis de la Fuente for Lamine Yamal’s overuse. Photo: BeIN Sports

Yamal had an impressive start to the La Liga season, scoring two goals and providing two assists in three matches. He also contributed three assists in Spain’s victories against Bulgaria and Turkey. However, the demanding schedule seems to have taken its toll on the young talent.

Flick expressed his disappointment with the lack of communication between Barcelona and Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente. "I've never really spoken to him," the 60-year-old coach added. "Maybe my Spanish isn't good, and his English isn't good either, so that's a problem. But normally, communication between the national team and the club should be better."

In addition to Yamal's absence, Barcelona will also be without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who returned from international duty with the Netherlands injured. Gavi and Alejandro Balde are still undergoing treatment. However, there is some good news for the Catalan side: young midfielder Marc Bernal has been included in the squad list after more than a year out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Barcelona will host Valencia at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium, as Camp Nou is still under renovation. Flick emphasized that the smaller venue is no excuse. "We won here during the pre-season. I've spoken to the captains, and they all agree that this won't affect us. The important thing is our spirit and focus," he stated.

Former midfielder Thiago Alcantara will return as Barcelona's assistant coach for the Valencia match. He was Flick's student, and they won the 2020 Champions League together at Bayern. Flick believes Alcantara will be a valuable asset to Barcelona in the future.

Hoang An (Mundo Deportivo)