Lamine Yamal has become one of the few untouchable players FC Barcelona‘s starting line-up despite his young age, with unique qualities such as elite dribbling and creativity. However, with the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Bilbao just one more day away, the 18-year-old was the most notable absentee from Tuesday’s training.
Barcelona traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup and is about to play Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals on Wednesday January 7as they aim for the club’s first trophy of the season. The team arrived in the country from the Middle East on Monday evening and held its first official training on Tuesday.
During that session Yamal was not seen training on the field with his teammatesa situation that immediately caused concern among fans. Barcelona sources later clarified that the teenager instead trained indoors at the sports complex in Jeddah, where he completed a specific physical program under the supervision of head coach Hansi Flick’s staff.
Is Lamine Yamal injured?
According to Spanish outlet Sports world, Yamal is not injured but has been struggling with a stomach virus for several daysAs a result, he is weakened and can no longer train normally. That issue also caused him to miss the first practice of the year on Jan. 1 due to general discomfort, suggesting the problem persisted.
FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal runs with the ball while under pressure from Athletic Club’s Yuri Berchiche.
Flick was not asked about Yamal’s condition during his pre-match press conference, which took place before training and before the player’s absence was noticed. Despite his limited involvement in recent sessions, Sports world reported that Yamal is expected to be available for Wednesday’s match against Athletic Bilbao.
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Barcelona already defeated Athletic Bilbao earlier in the 2025/26 season, with Yamal playing a key role in the result. Although Robert Lewandowski (one goal), Fermín López (one) and Ferran Torres (two) scored in the 4-0 win at Camp Nou, it was Yamal who provided both assists for Torreswhich underlined his influence on the victory.
Statistically, Yamal has continued to perform at a high level this season despite missing time with pubalgia. About 21 performances he scored for Barcelona nine goals and added 11 assiststhe highest assist total of any player in the squad during the current campaign.
As for strengthening the squad, Ronald Araújo has already returned to training with the team. The Uruguayan defender, who was sidelined due to personal problems, completed the full session and was able to make his return against Athletic Bilbao, which was his first appearance since November 25, when he was sent off against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League.
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