Lamine Yamal expressed his frustration over the “misinformation” surrounding his groin injury after playing a crucial role in Barcelona‘s thrilling 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old recently missed seven matches due to a pubalgia issue, with speculation about potential surgery. However, he made a strong comeback, starting Barça’s last five games.
Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick acknowledged that Yamal is still managing his injury, yet the young player demonstrated no signs of discomfort against Brugge, scoring a brilliant solo goal and assisting on another.
“I feel good,” he told reporters post-match. “I try not to pay attention to the rumors.
“There’s been a lot of talk about my injury and claims that I was unhappy. That is false. I wanted to work hard to return to this level, as it’s when I feel happiest and play my best.”
In a tightly contested match at Jan Breydel Stadium, Barcelona had to rally from behind three times, with goals coming from Ferran Torres, Yamal, and a late own goal from Christos Tzolis.
Yamal’s goal, which was Barça’s second equalizer, showcased his skills as he gathered the ball outside the area, beat an opponent, combined with Fermín López in a one-two, and finished with precision.
The Spain international also assisted in Barça’s third goal, slipping inside and delivering a cross that resulted in Tzolis inadvertently scoring an own goal.
“I’m pleased to see Lamine performing at this level, but as I’ve mentioned, we can’t predict what will happen tomorrow or next Sunday,” Flick remarked at the post-match press conference.
“The key is that he handles his current situation well, as it’s not straightforward. He must stay focused on his training and treatment.
“If he navigates this properly, hopefully, it will resolve, but it’s hard to predict when that may be.”
Yamal’s goal drew comparisons to Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, but he insisted on remaining humble.
“I can’t compare myself to Messi,” he remarked. “He has scored countless goals like that. I’m focused on carving my own path and aiming to score many more goals in that style.
“I strive to give my best. The play unfolded quickly, and Fermín set me up nicely with a flick. I controlled the ball and finished it.”
For the second consecutive week, after facing boos from Real Madrid fans, Yamal encountered a hostile reception from the crowd in Belgium.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I’m being booed and not others,” he said. “If they’re booing me, it means I’m doing my job well on the pitch. I don’t worry about that.”
Barcelona’s draw against Brugge leaves them 11th in the Champions League standings with seven points from four matches, while they sit second in LaLiga, five points behind Real Madrid ahead of their upcoming match against Celta Vigo on Sunday.