Flick Uncertain Over Lamine Yamal’s Fitness Ahead of El Clásico — A Growing Concern for Barcelona

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted that Lamine Yamal’s availability for the much-anticipated El Clásico against Real Madrid later this month remains uncertain.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Flick revealed that the 18-year-old winger, who recently returned from a groin injury, is still under close medical supervision.

Yamal made his comeback as a substitute during Barça’s win over Real Sociedad, before playing a full 90 minutes in the 2–1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, sparking fears that he may have been rushed back into action.

“With this injury, it’s not so easy to know [when he will return],” Flick said.
“It’s not easy to say ‘OK he can play in two, three or four weeks…’ or if he’s able to play the Clásico. This is not possible.
We have to wait. We must manage his load. He trains with the recovery team… We go step by step. We have to see how the evolution is.”

The manager’s tone suggests caution — a sign that Barcelona may not be willing to gamble with their young prodigy’s health ahead of such a high-stakes fixture.

Opinion: Barcelona Must Protect Their Golden Boy, Even If It Costs Them El Clásico

There’s no denying that Lamine Yamal has become the heartbeat of Barcelona’s attack. His creativity, fearlessness, and flair often bring life to a side still finding its rhythm under Hansi Flick. However, the temptation to rush him back for El Clásico could prove costly — not just for this season, but for his long-term career.

At just 18, Yamal already carries the weight of expectation from millions of fans who see him as the next great heir to Messi’s legacy. But as history has shown — from the likes of Ansu Fati to Ousmane Dembélé — rushing young stars back from injury can lead to more harm than good.

Flick’s caution is therefore not just wise, it’s necessary. Barcelona may crave victory against Real Madrid, but protecting Yamal’s health should come first. The club’s future doesn’t just depend on winning one match — it depends on preserving the brilliance of a generation-defining talent.

Sometimes, the bravest decision a manager can make isn’t about tactics or substitutions — it’s knowing when to let a star rest.