Barcelona set to miss another key player for Celta Vigo clash amid Lamine Yamal injury setback: Reports
According to Sport (via Football Espana), Barcelona have been dealt another blow following the injury setback to Lamine Yamal. The Catalan side will likely be without left-back Alejandro Balde when they face Celta Vigo today (November 23). The Spanish defender reportedly suffers from discomfort and could be rested.
Balde came through the Catalan club's famed La Masia academy to represent the senior team and has made 94 appearances for his boyhood club. He has scored twice and assisted 10 goals to help the team to one La Liga title.
Barcelona will have to find a way through their next game without Balde and the mercurial Lamine Yamal in their next match. The Catalan side sits atop the Spanish division, with 33 points from 13 games.
The 2023 LaLiga champions sit six points clear of their eternal rivals Real Madrid although Los Blancos have a game in hand.
"It could be Rapha, it could be Dani, Fermin, it could also be Pablo, it could be Pau" - Barcelona boss on options following injury to Lamine Yamal
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has discussed his options following Lamine Yamal's ankle injury. The 17-year-old has been phenomenal for Blaugrana this season, scoring six goals and eight assists across 16 games.
The teenager came through the club's youth ranks and has established himself as a key team member. He has made 67 appearances for the club, scoring 13 and assisting 17.
His performances and subsequent injury have led to concern among the press, who asked his manager how the team would manage in his absence. The German tactician responded (via Football Espana):
“No, so against Real Sociedad, we didn’t play very good but Lamine not playing with us was not the reason. Lamine is, of course, very important for us but we have players who can play, so we have to care about that. Lamine cannot play tomorrow. We will see when he is right, and can come back, but for us, it is important that he comes back 100%.”
Flick concluded by highlighting the other players available to the team, pointing out:
“We have different options, it could be Rapha, it could be Dani [Olmo], Fermin [Lopez], it could also be Pablo [Gavi], it could be Pau [Victor].”
Barcelona has lost only two games in LaLiga this season, away clashes at Osasuna and Real Sociedad. Lamine Yamal was unavailable for the Catalan side for both of those games.
