Bad News for Barcelona Regarding Yamal

The fears have unfortunately come true: Lamine Yamal will miss Barcelona’s squad for their opening Champions League match due to not recovering in time. The Catalan giants begin their European campaign against English club Newcastle United, but the young winger will not feature.

Barcelona will kick off the new Champions League season on Thursday (Bangladesh time, 1:00 AM). Coach Hansi Flick announced a 22-member squad the day before, and Yamal was absent from the list. The 18-year-old had also missed Barcelona’s last La Liga match for the same reason.

Earlier this month, Yamal had joined the Spain national team camp while carrying an injury. He even played a World Cup qualifying match with painkiller injections, which worsened his condition. After returning from the camp, tests revealed a hamstring injury, keeping him sidelined since then.

Coach Hansi Flick had previously expressed concern about overplaying Yamal for Spain, and his absence adds to Barcelona’s injury problems.

Two other important players are also unavailable due to injuries:

Neither player will be available for the match against Newcastle United.

Barcelona have a small relief in the return of Frenkie de Jong, who has recovered from a muscle injury. Although he missed the recent match against Valencia, he will be available for the Champions League clash

Barcelona reached the Champions League semi-finals last season, delivering outstanding performances, but lost narrowly to Inter Milan, ending their hopes of reaching the final. Inter Milan later lost to PSG, who lifted the trophy for the first time.

Barcelona aims for a strong start in Europe this season. Their Group Stage opponents are as follows:

Barcelona’s hopes for the new season in Europe’s top competition rest on a combination of strategic gameplay, squad depth, and key players staying fit.