Lamine Yamal, almost ruled out for Barça's debut in the Champions

Lamine Yamal continues to be the great concern of Fútbol Club Barcelona. The young Barça forward did not participate in the match against Valencia due to discomfort in the pubis and, according to sources close to the dressing room, his participation in the premiere of the Champions League 2025/26 against Newcastle this Thursday is practically ruled out.

The youth player arrived touched from the concentration with the Spanish National Team, after forcing himself in the matches against Bulgaria and Turkey. Since then, he has not been able to train normally and has limited himself to doing specific work in the gym, without finding enough improvement to reappear with the team without taking risks.

Lamine's injury: a problem that worries the Barça doctors

The medical services of the Barça club have confirmed that the evolution of the discomfort is not as expected. Although initially it was expected that Lamine could enter the squad against Valencia, he was finally ruled out and everything points to him not being there against Newcastle either. The priority is not to take risks with a fundamental footballer who has already accumulated an excessive amount of minutes with the national team.

The pain in the pubis is especially delicate and requires a controlled recovery process. Barça does not want to repeat relapse scenarios, so the technical and medical staff have opted for caution.

Flick looks for alternatives on the right

Hansi Flick will have to rethink his attack plan without the player who monopolized the right wing throughout last season. The German coach has options within the squad, the most notable being Roony Bardghji, signing of this summer, who made his official debut in LaLiga against Valencia.

Bardghji, who left very good feelings in the pre-season, could not be registered in time for the start of LaLiga due to administrative issues, but he is now available and could have a key role in the absence of Lamine Yamal. His speed, overflow and scoring ability make him a natural alternative to occupy that side.

Newcastle-Barcelona: European premiere of maximum demand

The debut against Newcastle will mark the beginning of Barça's journey in the Champions League 2025/26. The English team, reinforced in the market and with the motivation to return to the continental elite, promises to be an uncomfortable rival in a high-voltage duel. The possible absence of Lamine Yamal will further complicate the challenge for the Blaugrana.

The culé team will need to find offensive solutions, with players like Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Lewandowski as possible protagonists. The experience of the three forwards and the creativity of Pedri will be decisive to replace the absence of the Rocafonda star.

Barça's calendar gives no respite

After the visit of Valencia in LaLiga, a key week arrives with the Champions League as a great showcase. The recovery of injured players, such as Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, continues its course, but Flick is aware that losing Lamine Yamal at this stage is a major setback for the team's aspirations.

Flick himself already expressed his discomfort at the number of matches with the Spanish national team, pointing out that his progression should be better managed to avoid short-term physical risks.

A sensitive loss for Barcelona fans

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has established himself as one of the great references of Barcelona. His performances last season made him an indispensable part of the offensive scheme and one of the most unbalancing players in Europe. His absence, although punctual, is an emotional blow for the fans, who expected to see him shine in the European premiere.

Now, the club's objective is to ensure a full recovery so that he can return without risks and lead Barça in the next commitments. The Champions League could start without him, but there is still a long way to go in which his talent will be decisive again.

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