Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has challenged his players to prove they can succeed without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who will miss the upcoming La Liga match against Celta Vigo due to an ankle injury.
Yamal, 17, has been a key figure in Barcelona’s attack this season, but the team has struggled in his absence, losing both matches in which he did not start. The Catalan giants were defeated 4-2 by Osasuna in September with Yamal on the bench, and they also suffered a 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad before the international break.
Despite these setbacks, Barcelona have otherwise enjoyed an excellent start to the season, winning 11 of their 13 league matches.
Flick, whose team sits atop the La Liga table, emphasized the importance of adapting to the absence of Yamal, one of Spain’s brightest talents. “Lamine is very important for us, but we also need to adapt,” Flick explained at a press conference. “I will ask the team tomorrow if they believe they can win without him.”
Although Yamal’s absence is a blow, Flick remains confident in his squad’s ability to cope. “We have players who can step in and play in his place,” he added. The coach avoided naming a direct replacement for the young winger, mentioning players like Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and others as potential options.
Flick also confirmed that Gavi, who has been recovering from a long-term injury, is fit to start and will be available for selection.
As Barcelona faces Celta Vigo, Flick will be eager to see if his team can continue their winning ways without the injured Lamine Yamal.
