Barcelona handed fitness boost as Hansi Flick confirms key player could feature against Athletic Club after injury absence
Barcelona have been handed a major injury boost as manager Hansi Flick confirms Lamine Yamal's availability for their upcoming match. The Blaugrana are set to take on Athletic Club in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final on Wednesday, January 8.
The Catalan side have been without their sensational 17-year-old winger since mid-December after he suffered an ankle issue. Prior to that, he was absent for three matches across competitions in November due to an ankle worry.
However, the Spain international is seemingly ready to feature for Barcelona, with Flick saying (via @ReshadFCB):
"Lamine Yamal has been training with us for some days now. He is ready to go and he might play tomorrow."
Yamal has also been brilliant this season for his club team, having made 21 appearances across competitions, bagging six goals and 12 assists. His presence will certainly help the Blaugrana in their title challenge.
After a wonderful start to the LaLiga campaign, Flick and Co. have dropped to third in the league standings, five points behind leaders Real Madrid. Following Barcelona's upcoming tie, they return to Spanish top-flight action, where they take on Getafe away from home on January 18.
During Yamal's recent absence, Brazilian attacker Raphinha deputized on the right wing.
Raphinha comments on Barcelona's ability to sign players after Dani Olmo and Pau Victor registration row
Barcelona winger Raphinha believes that his club may find it difficult to sign players, given the current situation with Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. These players were brought into the club during the summer but were granted a temporary license to play until December 31.
Now, the Blaugrana continue to face issues with registering the duo. When asked if this could set a precedent and prevent players from joining the club, Raphinha said (via Forbes):
"I think so. I can't say no, because otherwise I would lie to you and I'm not the type of person who likes to lie. If I were at another club and I was seeing the situation that Pau and Dani are seeing, I would surely think about it, if I was coming here or to another club."
Dani Olmo will probably be a big miss for Barcelona, given he can play on either flank and in an attacking midfield position. Since arriving for a reported €55 million from RB Leipzig, the 26-year-old has made 15 appearances across competitions, bagging six goals and an assist.
