Lamine Yamal Back in Action for Barcelona’s El Clásico Showdown

Barcelona’s young sensation Lamine Yamal is set to make his comeback after recovering from a prolonged groin injury. The 18-year-old winger has been cleared by manager Hansi Flick to return for the club’s next La Liga fixture against Girona, marking a significant boost for the Catalan giants ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Real Madrid on October 26.

Strategic Return Before Clásico

Yamal’s injury had kept him sidelined for four matches before brief appearances, only to suffer a setback during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain on October 1. The injury subsequently ruled him out of Barcelona’s disappointing 4-1 loss at Sevilla and two World Cup qualifiers for Spain. However, Flick confirmed that while the youngster is ready to play, he cannot yet complete the full 90 minutes.

Barcelona’s Extended Injury Concerns

Alongside Yamal’s return, midfielder Fermin Lopez has also recovered from his left-leg muscle injury sustained during Spain’s World Cup qualifiers. Despite these positive developments, Barcelona continues grappling with an extensive injury list including strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, midfielders Dani Olmo and Gavi Paez, and goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Flick expressed hope that Brazil forward Raphinha will recover from his hamstring injury in time for the Madrid encounter. The Barcelona manager will need to carefully manage his squad’s fitness as the team faces a crucial period with matches against Girona, Olympiakos in the Champions League, and the pivotal Clásico fixture all within a week.

Yamal, who inherited Barcelona’s legendary number 10 shirt previously worn by Lionel Messi, continues to prove his worth as the youngest player on Forbes’ highest-paid soccer players list.