Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, is facing a tough decision from coach Hansi Flick as concerns over a lingering groin injury prompt the club to manage his playing time more cautiously.
Despite flashes of brilliance early in the season, the 18-year-old has struggled to regain his full physical form, which has led the medical staff and coaching team to recommend more time spent on the bench.
The groin injury has forced Lamine Yamal to miss several matches and hampered his performance in those he did play, as reported by Marca.
As a result, Barcelona has decided that Yamal will no longer play the full 90 minutes regularly, instead coming off in the final periods or missing certain games entirely.
This strategy is aimed at ensuring a proper recovery and longevity for the young forward’s promising career, even if it means sacrificing some of his playing time in the short term.
While the decision is a pragmatic one focused on health, it presents a challenge for Yamal, who was a constant presence last season and has quickly become a key figure for the team.
His reluctance to accept a reduced role is understandable, given the confidence he built with his performances throughout the last campaign.
Still, the club insists that finishing games on the bench and gradual management of his workload are essential parts of his rehabilitation.
This cautious approach has already been evident, with Yamal completing just one full game in Barcelona’s last four appearances, including being substituted in matches against Girona, Olympiacos, and Elche.
Despite this setback, Yamal continues to train fully and remains committed to the recovery plan.
For coach Hansi Flick, managing Yamal’s minutes is a delicate balancing act as there are few natural, experienced alternatives able to fill the void.
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