Hansi Flick confirms key Barcelona player ‘won’t be able to play against Celta’ | OneFootball

Although the start of this season has gone very well for FC Barcelona, the Blaugranes still went into the November international break in low spirits as they were unable to win their last La Liga game against Real Sociedad.

The Catalans were far from their best in that game, and it was clear that the team was missing one of their most prominent sparks this season, Lamine Yamal.

Thus, this game further fuelled the feeling that the team depended on Yamal, especially as the only other league defeat the Blaugranes had suffered this season, against Osasuna, also came when Yamal was not a part of the starting eleven.

However, as he spoke to the press ahead of the game against Celta Vigo, Mundo Deportivo reports that Flick was quite clear that the only reason his team lost to Sociedad was because they played poorly, and not because of the absence of one player.

“Against Real Sociedad, we didn’t play well, and that was the reason for the result—we didn’t lose because Lamine didn’t play. He’s very important for us, but we can adapt with other players who can perform in his position.”

The German tactician also confirmed that Lamine will not be able to play against Celta Vigo: “He won’t be able to play against Celta; we’ll see when he’ll be ready. The important thing is that when he returns, he’s at 100%.”

Flick did not have a clear answer to whether it would be a challenge for Barcelona to win without Yamal: “Tomorrow, I’ll ask the team if it’s a challenge—it’s a good question for the team.”

Regarding his replacements in the Celta match, Flick named some possibilities but did not give away his actual plans:

“There are various options. It could be Rapha, Fermín, Pau Víctor, Pablo Torre, Dani Olmo… Gavi? When I ask him, he says he can play anywhere. In any position, he gives his all, and yes, he’s already ready to start as a starter.”

Despite these options and Flick’s assurances, there is no doubt that the team will miss a player of Yamal’s quality and importance, especially while playing in a stadium as difficult as Balaidos.

Hopefully, the German coach will be able to devise a plan that minimizes the impact of this absence, and Barcelona will get the full three points in this game.