🚨 Yamal sidelined through injury, Flick hits out at Spanish federation

Lamine Yamal will be missing for FC Barcelona at least in tomorrow’s match against Valencia. Unnecessarily so, according to coach Hansi Flick, who has criticized the Spanish federation.

The 18-year-old had to play for Spain despite being in pain. “Lamine Yamal will not be available tomorrow. It’s very sad. He played for the national team while in pain. They had a three-goal lead in both games, and yet he still played 73 and 79 minutes. Between the matches, he couldn’t train because of the pain. That’s not how you take care of your players,” Spanish journalist Alfredo Martínez quoted him from the press conference before the game.

Yamal took painkillers in order to play for Spain. Now his situation has worsened to the point where playing for Barça is not possible. How long he will be out remains unknown. The Catalans will play their first Champions League match next Thursday, facing Newcastle United.

Flick also said that communication with the Spanish federation could be better: “I have never spoken with Luis de la Fuente. My Spanish is not so good, his English is not so good,” said the 60-year-old former Germany coach, who also tried to show some understanding: “I have been in that situation and I know how difficult the job of a national team coach is.”

📸 OZAN KOSE - AFP or licensors