Barca quietly celebrates, Yamal shows significant change after injury

Coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Lamine Yamal has become more disciplined during his treatment and while playing despite still dealing with groin issues.

Yamal had to miss 7 matches for both club and national team early this season due to pubalgia, a persistent groin pain condition. However, he has started the last 5 games for Barcelonaand has been carefully monitored regarding his training load to prevent injury recurrence.

In the 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday, Yamal scored one goal and provided one assist, indicating he is gradually returning to his top form. Coach Flick believes this progress is due to the young player paying more attention to details in training and health care.

Flick stated at the press conference before the La Liga match against Celta Vigo on Sunday: “We have to take care of him. From my perspective, he has changed in terms of discipline. Yamal is much better now. He trains seriously, both in the gym and with daily therapy… That is crucial for this type of injury. I think he is returning to his best level but it is not over yet; the injury is not fully healed.”

Despite struggling with physical issues, Yamal has contributed 5 goals and 5 assists in just 10 appearances for Barça this season. After the match in Vigo, he will join the Spanish national team.

Yamal’s injury originated during a previous national team camp, which caused disputes between Barcelona’s management and the Spanish Football Federation. Flick hopes Spain will manage Yamal’s playing time wisely to avoid worsening his condition in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey. Flick emphasized: “Not only us, but the national team also has to take care of him.”

Yamal’s improving form is expected to help Barcelona get back on the winning track after winning only 3 of their last 7 matches across all competitions. Flick said the draw against Brugge was due to a lack of fighting spirit from the players, and he expects a different attitude when facing Celta, who are in good form at Balaídos.

Barca will still be without Raphinha, Pedri, Gavi, and Joan García. Jules Koundé left training early on Saturday and his availability is uncertain, while defender Eric García, despite a broken nose midweek, can play with a protective mask. To keep chasing Real Madrid, who lead the table by 5 points, Barcelona must win against Celta in Vigo. Meanwhile, the home side aims to extend their 4-match winning streak to climb into the upper half of the standings.

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