Lamine Yamal has reportedly received a big boost as the Barcelona star returned for the match against Athletic Bilbao

Lamine Yamal has been one of them Barcelona‘s brightest young stars during the 2025-2026 season as the team continues to struggle to impose its dominance amid a wave of injuries. However, prior to the upcoming clash with Athletic BilbaoYamal is reportedly ready for a big boost, with a key Barcelona teammate expected to return from injury.

During the November international break Yamal was surprisingly released from the Spanish national team after a dispute over his medical treatment in Barcelona. With two weeks of rest remaining, the 18-year-old winger could reunite with one of his most effective attacking partners when domestic play resumes.

According to Sports world, Rafinha is in the final stages of his recoveryand Barcelona are confident the Brazilian winger will be available once the international break is over. The plan is for him to return to the first team against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, November 22.

Raphinha walked a right hamstring injury during the match against Real Oviedo on September 25. Since then, the Brazilian has been a major absence from the team, making nine appearances in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, a period in which Barcelona recorded five wins, one draw and three defeats.

Barcelona’s plan for the coming days is to continue working with injured players such as Alejandro Balde, Pedri and Joan García until Thursday before taking a short rest this weekend. While Raphinha is expected to return, and both Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski are steadily getting fit againhead coach Hansi Flick will eagerly get his attack going again.

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Another star yet to recover

Last season, Raphinha made Barcelona’s biggest attacking contribution, with 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearancessurpassing both Lewandowski and Yamal. His comeback will therefore provide a major boost for Flick’s team. However, the team will still be missing a crucial player.

Unlike Rafinha, Pedri is not expected to recover in time for the match Athletic Bilbao collide. The Spanish midfielder suffered a right hamstring tear during El Clasico on October 26 and missed the team’s last three matches.

At the time he was injured, Pedri’s recovery timeline was estimated at three to four weeks. With that period coming to an end, Flick will likely have to find temporary solutions in midfield together with Frenkie de Jong (most likely Marc Casado) until Pedri is fully fit.