Lamine Yamal suffered an injury scare while training with Barcelona, casting a shadow over his availability.
FC Barcelona’s preparations for Sunday’s demanding La Liga trip to Mestalla hit an unexpected snag during the squad’s final tactical workout at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
Having maintained a flawless start to their 2026/27 campaign with three consecutive league victories, Hansi Flick’s tactical plans appeared fully settled following a commanding home display against Rayo Vallecano.
However, as the players stepped onto the main pitch for their final collective session on Saturday morning, Lamine Yamal missed Barcelona training with an injury scare.
According to Diario Sport, the 19-year-old prodigy was notably absent from pitch-side drills alongside his teammates, remaining indoors to complete specific recovery protocols in the gym.
The unexpected development immediately raised alarms across the Catalan press regarding his availability for Sunday’s high-stakes match against Valencia.
Having taken a minor physical knock during earlier match action, medical staff advised an isolated indoor session to manage localized discomfort rather than risking aggravation on the grass.
The timing of the fitness concern comes at a pivotal juncture for both player and club.
Lamine Yamal was recently confirmed as one of Barcelona’s official vice-captains following a squad vote, cementing his rapid rise into executive leadership within the dressing room.
While his condition is not believed to be structural or long-term, any potential absence from the starting eleven at Mestalla presents Flick with an immediate tactical puzzle.
The German manager confirmed during his pre-match briefing that while Yamal completed individual recovery work successfully, a final call on his starting status will be reserved until matchday morning.
On a brighter note, the session saw both Gavi and summer arrival Gabriel Jesus complete normal team training without restriction, offering reinforcement across the frontline.
Nonetheless, all eyes remain firmly fixed on Yamal’s physical response over the next 24 hours as Barcelona aim to lock down three crucial points away from home.
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