Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s clash with Sevilla, focusing heavily on the status of Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old had been called up to the Spain squad for the upcoming fixtures against Georgia and Bulgaria, but had to withdraw shortly after due to a recurrence of the pubis injury he suffered last month.
Flick offered insight into the player’s condition, saying, “He felt good, and if not, then he wouldn’t have played against PSG. I spoke to him this morning. Today he is better but still not fully fit. I asked him how we can support him.” The manager stressed that he will carefully manage Yamal’s playing time upon his return, highlighting the need to balance his strengths with overall fitness: “With the ball, he’s incredible, but you also have to be effective without it and manage minutes wisely.”
When asked about Yamal’s return timeline, Flick admitted uncertainty, leaving his participation in the first Clasico of the season in doubt. “We don’t know when he’ll be back. It’s not an easy injury, it’s not a muscular issue. He will work with the recovery team, and we will see how he evolves.”
Concerns over Marc Bernal’s national team call-up
Flick also commented on another Barcelona player involved with the Spanish national setup. Marc Bernal, who recently returned from an ACL injury sustained last August, was called up to the Spain U21 squad despite limited game time since his recovery.
The manager expressed concern over Bernal’s readiness, noting, “He is not ready to play many minutes at the moment. He is coming off a serious injury of more than a year. He is not 100% and not at the physical level he was before the injury. The Federation should be careful and take care of him as well.”
