Why is Lamine Yamal not playing for Barcelona against Celta Vigo in LaLiga?

There was mixed news on the injury front for Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick when he chose his starting line-up for Saturday’s LaLiga game against Celta Vigo. Although Robert Lewandowki has recovered from a fitness problem in time to start, co-striker Lamin Yamalarguably the team’s most impressive player this seasonis not part of the matchday squad.

“Yamal is unlikely to be ready to play on Saturday,” a source inside the Barça dressing room had told AS earlier this week. The 17-year-old still has some pain afterwards injures his right ankle in the Champions League win over Crvena Zvezda on November 6, resulting in his absence this weekend.

Yamal had already been forced to sit out the defeat to Real Sociedad before the international break, as well Spain’s UEFA Nations League wins against Denmark and Switzerland. In a statement issued on November 11, Barcelona stated that they expected the winger to be out for “two to three weeks,” although there had been hopes earlier this week that he could return to Celta a little earlier than expected.

Lamine Yamal injury update: when will he return for Barcelona?

With Yamal’s absence from the starting lineup confirmed, attention now turns to the Champions League home match against Brest Tuesday (November 26)or maybe even LaLiga clash against Las Palmas in Montjuïc next Saturday (November 30). If Yamal features in one of these two matches, his return from injury will have taken place within three weeks.

It is the teenager himself who ultimately has to decide when he is able to play. Although he is still in some discomfort, the source has revealed that he is almost painless when his foot is bandaged. However, the damage is a delicate one no risks will be taken to rush him back too soon.

Barcelona’s poor record without Lamine Yamal

Yamal’s continued absence is likely to cause concern for Flick and Barça. The striker has it only failing to start two of the Catalans’ LaLiga matches so far this season, both of which they lost (4-2 to Osasuna and 1-0 to Real Sociedad).

Defender Eric García had been expected to be able to play, but in the end he also did not make the squad.

However, there is also good news for Flick. Both top scorer Robert Lewandowski and Héctor Fort have fully recovered from their injuries, with the Pole starting in attack and the young defender named on the bench.

Put your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for full access coverageat your fingertips – anytime and anywhere.