‎Hansi Flick Slams Spain Over Lamine Yamal Injury as Barcelona Star Ruled Out of Valencia Clash

By: Shawn
‎Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has voiced his frustration at Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal after confirming the teenager will miss Sunday’s La Liga clash against Valencia at Camp Nou. The 18-year-old winger featured in both of Spain’s World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey despite carrying an injury.
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‎Hansi Flick criticizes Spain for risking Lamine Yamal’s fitness, ruling the Barcelona star out of the Valencia clash with a back problem.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎Reports from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo revealed that Yamal pulled out of Barcelona training ahead of the Valencia fixture due to discomfort. The publication added that the youngster had been dealing with a back issue before joining Luis de la Fuente’s national squad earlier in the week.
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‎Flick made his anger clear during a press conference, pointing out the extended minutes Yamal played for Spain despite his condition. Quoted by Spanish reporter Alfredo Martinez, Flick said: “Lamine Yamal will not be available for tomorrow, it’s a shame. He played with the national team in pain. He had issues, played 79 and 73 minutes [against Bulgaria and Turkey respectively], and didn’t train between matches because of this pain, and that is not caring for the players.”
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‎Barcelona may turn to Marcus Rashford to fill the void left by Yamal. The England forward, on loan from Manchester United, is still searching for his first competitive goal in Barcelona colors.
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‎The clash with Valencia marks Barcelona’s first home game of the 2025-26 La Liga season. Flick’s side began their campaign with three consecutive away matches, recording wins against Mallorca and Levante before settling for a draw with Rayo Vallecano.

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