Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has strongly criticized the Spanish national team after teenager Lamine Yamal returned injured from international duty. The 18-year-old forward is dealing with discomfort in the pubic area. He will miss Sunday’s La Liga clash with Valencia and could also sit out Barcelona’s Champions League meeting with Newcastle United.
Flick accused Spain of mismanaging the youngster during recent World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey. Yamal already felt pain before the games but still played more than 70 minutes in both. Flick said the winger even received painkillers to get through matches that Spain were already winning by wide margins.
“Lamine was already in pain when he went with the national team. He played both matches, over 70 minutes each, even though Spain were ahead by three goals or more. He even needed painkillers. This is not the way to handle a young player,” Flick told reporters.
The German coach was also frustrated that Yamal did not get rest between fixtures. Barcelona stated on Saturday that Yamal cannot train or play at the moment. His recovery will depend on how quickly the problem improves, with no clear return date set.
The timing is difficult for Barça. They face Valencia in La Liga and Newcastle in the Champions League within days. Flick may have to adjust his attack, with Raphinha, Ferran Torres, or academy players ready to step in.
For now, Barcelona will focus on Yamal’s recovery. Flick made it clear that the teenager’s long-term health matters more than short-term results.