Barcelona is set to host Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday night. However, concerns have arisen after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal missed the team’s training session on Monday.
Yamal, 17, exited Barca’s 2-0 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday with a bleeding foot injury. The young winger was brought down by a harsh tackle shortly after delivering his 11th assist of the 2024-25 season.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed optimism about Yamal’s availability for the upcoming match. “We’ll have to wait and see, but I think he’ll be able to play. I’m positive, but we’ll have to see what the doctor says,” Flick told reporters.
Flick also voiced frustration over the foul that injured Yamal. “We can’t say that Lamine or certain players should be specially protected; it should be for everyone. If they don’t get yellow cards, hard fouls will be repeated,” he stated.
“We should protect them—not just some special ones, but everyone. In Spain, we all like to see one-on-one situations, to see those players who are capable of getting past defenders. We have to protect them,” Flick added.
Despite missing the training session, Yamal was seen working out in the gym, suggesting he is aiming to be fit for the crucial semifinal clash.
