Barcelona coach Hansi Flick provides update on Lamine Yamal injury

Barcelona will host Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg tomorrow.

The physical condition of Barcelona’s outstanding winger Lamine Yamal has been confirmed by head coach Hansi Flick.

This follows after Barcelona’s triumph over Las Palmas over the weekend left the young player with a severe wound on his foot. The 17-year-old made this revelation on social media, as shown below:

Therefore, it was not shocking when manager Hansi Flick was asked about Lamine’s present state of health at his Monday media appearance.

Barcelona will play their first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final matchup against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid tomorrow night, marking their return to action.

Ahead of that fixture, Hansi Flick acknowledged that although Lamine has not yet received approval to take part, he is “hopeful” that the Blaugrana’s medical staff will supply him with as much information as possible:

“We have to wait 24 hours to understand if he will be available against Atlético Madrid. But I really hope to have Lamine as part of the squad.”

“We should protect them, I think that’s the most sensible thing to do. Not just some special ones, but everyone. In Spain we all like to see one-on-one situations, to see those players who are capable of getting past the defenders, we have to protect them.”

Yamal is now a regular starter under Flick and his presence adds significant attacking intent to the club’s attack as he creates plenty of goalscoring chances. If he misses the game against Atletico then Barcelona will lose one of their most influential players for the match.

However, it appears that the Spanish international has not picked up a season-ending injury and it will depend on how long he takes to recover from the bruises he suffered in the previous game.

Even if Yamal doesn’t start he could come off the bench and still contribute. But as of now, it remains to be seen if he will be flagged fit to play against Atletico.

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