Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is hopeful that young forward Lamine Yamal will be fit for tomorrow’s Copa Del Rey semifinal first leg against Atletico Madrid.
The 17-year old was substituted moments after suffering a dangerous foul in the 2-0 win over Las Palmas, with photos of his injured foot circulating on social media.
Although Yamal was not involved in the training session earlier today, Flick is hopeful the superstar can overcome the injury to feature in the crucial encounter on Tuesday.
“We have to wait [on Yamal]. But I think positive on this, that he can play tomorrow, that’s also what the doctor said.
We cannot say to protect especially Lamine, Raphinha or [Real Madrid duo] Vinícius [Junior] and [Kylian] Mbappé — it’s every player,” Flick said.
“If it’s a really tough foul, it’s also about a yellow card. When you don’t get it, next time, as a defender, it gives you the confidence [to make] a very tough tackle.”
The teenage winger provided the assist for Dani Olmo’s opener, as Barcelona moved back ahead of Atletico Madrid into top spot on the Spanish Laliga standings and Flick believes more should be done to protect players from dangerous plays.
“We have to be more sensitive about this. We have to protect the players. All players, not only special players.
Here in Spain, everyone loves a player who goes in 1 vs. 1 situations. This is what is really special here. This is what fans love and we have to protect this”, the German added.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
