Barcelona are gearing up for a high-stakes Spanish Super Cup semi-final clash against Athletic Club in Jeddah on Wednesday, hoping to defend the trophy they currently hold.
Recent performances have seen players like Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo carry the creative load, while coach Hansi Flick has been carefully managing the workload of his key starters.
With the Super Cup providing a mid-season boost, the focus has been on keeping the squad fresh and minimizing injury risks ahead of what could be a physically demanding fixture.
The team has been training intensively in the Saudi Arabian heat, with tactical sessions aimed at exploiting Athletic’s weaknesses on the counter-attack.
Despite these preparations, one notable absentee has been Lamine Yamal.
The teenage winger, a key part of Barcelona’s attacking setup, has not been training with the group, according to reports from Carlos Monfort, via X.
Instead, Lamine Yamal has been completing individual work in the club’s gym facilities, a precautionary measure to manage his game load.
This follows a similar situation last week before the derby against Espanyol, where he missed a session due to minor discomfort but was fit to start and make an impact in the victory at RCDE Stadium.
Lamine has battled recurring pubalgia issues this season but has largely managed to stay on the pitch, making him a vital component of Flick’s plans.
Barcelona remain optimistic that Yamal will be ready for the semi-final, with medical staff and coaching personnel keeping a close eye on his condition.
While the exact reason for his absence from group training is unclear, it is widely believed to be part of workload management for a player who has been starting consistently.
The Catalan side’s preparations for Athletic will continue, with the team working on tactical drills, set-piece routines, and defensive organisation to ensure they maintain their Super Cup credentials.
Flick will likely monitor Yamal closely and make a final call on his inclusion ahead of kick-off.
🚨 ¡No entrena Lamine Yamal el día antes de enfrentarse al Athletic Club en la semifinal de la Supercopa de España!
El club cuenta que hace trabajo especifico en el gimnasio y no tendría que haber problemas para que juegue mañana.
+ info en breves en @sport. pic.twitter.com/xrRcjMXf6N
— Carlos Monfort (@monfortcarlos) January 6, 2026
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