Barcelona Blow As Lamine Yamal Ruled Out Amid Injury Controversy

Lamine Yamal will miss Barcelona’s big La Liga match against Valencia. He may also miss the Champions League opener at Newcastle. This is due to an injury that has frustrated coach Hansi Flick. He is upset with how Spain’s national team handled Yamal’s injury.

WHAT HAPPENED TO LAMINE YAMAL?

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s star winger, missed training on Saturday. He will not play against Valencia because of groin pain. He might also miss the trip to Newcastle United. The problem started during Spain’s recent international games. Yamal joined Spain while in pain but was given painkillers to play against Bulgaria and Türkiye. Flick said he was upset because Yamal’s health was not put first, even though Spain led by a large margin in both games.

BARCELONA’S SEASON SO FAR AND THE GROWING INJURY LIST

Barcelona play Valencia as the La Liga champions, but they are now third, five points behind Real Madrid with one less match played. Yamal has scored three goals and assisted six times in the league this season, making him a key player. His absence adds to the injury list, which includes Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Alejandro Balde. With Yamal sidelined, Flick will likely call on Raphinha, Ferran Torres, or rising talent Roony Bardghji to play on the right wing. Valencia, led by Carlos Corberán, are seventh with four points and pose a tough challenge at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, especially as their defense has improved this season.

WHAT’S NEXT: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND SEASON OUTLOOK

After facing Valencia, Barcelona travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United in the Champions League group stage on Thursday. Newcastle are mid-table in the Premier League after a mixed start, and their physical style will test Barcelona. Barcelona must cut the five-point gap to leaders Real Madrid while also managing their European ambitions. With so many key players missing, the next two weeks will test Flick’s squad depth and could define their season. The club is hopeful Yamal’s injury will not rule him out for long, given his growing importance for both club and country.