Barcelona has received a significant boost ahead of the Catalan derby, with encouraging news from the training ground just hours before their matchup against Espanyol.
After some minor worries earlier this week, clarity is emerging regarding one of the team’s key attacking players.
According to journalist Alfredo Martinez, Lamine Yamal returned to training with the team on Friday, alleviating concerns about his participation in the derby.
The young forward sparked some concern after being absent from the previous day’s session, but his return to full training suggests that Barcelona is confident in his fitness.
What happened to Lamine Yamal?
Barcelona’s first team held their final training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper ahead of the derby, intensifying their preparations for the year’s first competitive match.
Yamal participated fully alongside his teammates after experiencing unwellness on New Year’s Day.
His presence was a focal point of the session, especially after he missed training the day before.
Lamine Yamal missed yesterday’s training. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Importantly, while Yamal did arrive at the club’s facilities on Thursday, he left shortly thereafter and was unable to participate in the group session led by Hansi Flick.
Fortunately, nearly the entire squad was available for Friday’s training, with the only absentees being long-term injured players Andreas Christensen and Gavi, who both remain out for an extended period.
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Aside from those two, Coach Flick had a rare depth of options at his disposal.
Looking ahead, Barcelona’s schedule remains challenging. Following the derby, they will head to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, where they are set to face Athletic Club in the semi-finals on January 7 in Jeddah.
For now, the outlook is promising. With Yamal back in training, Barcelona is approaching full strength, and Flick will be hopeful that the young winger is ready to make an impact in this critical stretch of matches.