Barcelona's young star, Lamine Yamal, will miss the team's first home game of the season against Valencia on Sunday.
The club said that the 18-year-old forward is experiencing pubic discomfort and did not take part in Saturday’s training session.
In an official statement, Barcelona confirmed, “Lamine Yamal is having trouble in the pubic area that prevented him from training today and means he will play no part in Sunday's game with Valencia. He will not be training with his team-mates until the problem is resolved.”
The injury reportedly stems from his time with the Spanish national team during their recent World Cup qualifying matches. Yamal played in wins against Bulgaria and Turkey despite experiencing groin pain.
Expressing frustration with the situation, Coach Hansi Flick said that Yamal had been given painkillers to play and ended up logging significant minutes in both matches — something he believes was not in the player’s best interest.
“He went off to play for Spain with some pain and did not train. They gave him painkillers so that he could play. They had at least a three-goal lead in both matches, and he still played 73 and 79 minutes. Between the games he wasn’t able to train,” Flick said in a press conference on Saturday.
“That’s not looking after the player, ” he said, “I’m very sad about this.”
Yamal’s absence is a significant blow for Barcelona. The young winger has been in excellent form this season, with two goals and two assists in three La Liga games.
He also recorded three assists in his two appearances for Spain. With the latest injury, the teenage sensation is also a doubt for Thursday’s Champions League match against Newcastle United.
Barcelona will also be without Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Alejandro Balde due to injuries.
Yamal’s injury could provide an opportunity for new summer signing Roony Bardghji.
The team has also been boosted by the return of youngster Marc Bernal, who is expected to be on the bench after a 382-day absence following an ACL injury.
