Barcelona have received a timely boost ahead of the Catalan derby, with positive news emerging from the training ground just hours before the clash against Espanyol. After minor concern earlier in th...
Barcelona have received a timely boost ahead of the Catalan derby, with positive news emerging from the training ground just hours before the clash against Espanyol.
After minor concern earlier in the week, clarity is now starting to emerge regarding one of the team’s most important attacking players.
As revealed by journalist Alfredo Martinez, Lamine Yamal trained normally with the group on Friday, putting to rest doubts about his availability for the derby.
The young forward had raised eyebrows after missing the previous day’s session, but his return to full training suggests Barcelona are confident about his condition.
What happened to Lamine Yamal?
Barcelona’s first team carried out their final training session before the derby at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, as preparations intensified for the first competitive match of the year.
Meanwhile, Yamal trained alongside his teammates without restrictions after feeling unwell on New Year’s Day.
His presence was one of the key talking points of the session, especially given that he did not train with the group the previous day.
Lamine Yamal missed yesterday’s training. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Notably, although the academy graduate did arrive at the club’s facilities on Thursday, he left shortly afterwards and was unable to take part in the collective work led by Hansi Flick.
Flick, however, was able to count on almost his entire squad during Friday’s session. The only absentees were long-term injured players Andreas Christensen and Gavi, both of whom remain sidelined for an extended period.
Aside from those two, the German coach had all other players available, a rare luxury at this stage of the season.
Beyond the Espanyol match, Barcelona’s schedule remains demanding.
Following the derby, the Catalan giants are set to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, where they will face Athletic Club in the semi-final on January 7 in Jeddah.
For now, the signs are encouraging. Yamal is back in training, Barcelona are close to full strength, and Flick will be hoping that the young winger is ready to play his part in a crucial run of fixtures.
Category: General Sports
