Reports:
Tests carried out on Monday morning show that the player has a grade 1 injury to the anterior tibiofibular ligament and will be out for 3-4 weeks
With Barcelona’s recent disappointing La Liga form, with just one win in last 6 games. To make matters worse, Lamine Yamal’s injury adds up a new challenge upon their sleeves. Lamine Yamal is in blistering form this season, bagging 18 G/A in 21 games for Barcelona. He lifted the prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy awards recently and was La Liga Player of the month in September. His injury is another setback to Barcelona’s recent form.
Is barca Relying on Lamine Yamal?
In my opinion, Barcelona have relied heavily on Lamine this season. This certainly reminds every Culer of the Great Lionel Messi. Despite his young age, the youngster has dealt with the pressure exceptionally well and has delivered for the club time in time out. It’s evident that Lamine’s absence is like a missing piece of puzzle, leaving Barca’s front three struggling to find the right balance without him. If facts are stated Barcelona played without Lamine four times this season, and only won 1 out of the 4 games. These games clearly highlighted the quality and difference Lamine brings to the squad.
What’s next for barca?
As Lamine is out for expected period of 3-4 weeks, Barca need to buckle up and regain their form. Lamine is expected to miss the following games. Barcelona host Atletico Madrid on coming weekend. Both Barca and Atletico are levelled on points, but Atletico have a game in hand and chance to clinch the top spot. Atletico Madrid are in good form with a 6 game winning streak in La Liga and face an inconsistent Barcelona side. Barca then start off their Copa Del Rey campaign against UD Barbastro and Supercopa against Athletic Bilbao.
Ferran Torres redemption arc
With Lamine on the sidelines, I believe Flick will trust Ferran to start games in Lamine’s absence, giving Ferran a chance to step up and regain his confidence. This injury could be pivotal for Ferran, offering him the chance to show his ability to deliver when the team needs him the most, and he will need to make the most out of this chance to impress Flick and the fans.
Another shout I would give would be starting Pau Victor, Pablo Torre or Fermin Lopez in that attacking role. Pau Victor is a dynamic player with pace and great game sense, he could get a chance to show why the club brought him. For Fermin’s case he has already shown his fluid movements in behind and could be a good option. Pablo Torre has also regained confidence after coming back from loan and showed his quality whenever Flick gave him the chance.