Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has slammed Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal after confirming the winger will miss his side’s La Liga clash with Valencia at Camp Nou on Sunday. Flick has said Spain were aware that Yamal was already nursing an injury when they decided to start the teenager in both their World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey this week.
What injury has Yamal been struggling with?
Spanish publication revealed earlier on Saturday that Yamal had pulled out of training ahead of the Valencia game due to experiencing physical discomfort. While Barcelona are also yet to confirm the exact nature of Yamal's complaint, added that the 18-year-old was struggling with a back problem before linking up with Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportFlick points finger at Spain after confirming Yamal injury
And in a press conference ahead of the Valencia match, Barcelona manager Flick, 60, could not hide his anger as he confirmed Yamal will miss the game, particularly taking aim at how long the forward remained on the pitch for in Spain's victories over Bulgaria and Turkey.
Flick expresses anger in ahead of Valencia
A furious Flick told the media on Saturday afternoon: "Lamine Yamal will not be available. He went with the national team in pain and did not train. They gave him painkillers to play. They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79, and between matches he couldn't train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this."
Barcelona could turn to Rashford to replace Yamal
With Yamal set to miss the Valencia game, Marcus Rashford could be handed a start in his place. The England international, 27, is still searching for his first competitive goal for Barcelona following his season-long loan move from Manchester United in the summer.
