Barcelona coach Flick confident injured talent Lamine Yamal will return stronger

Barcelona coach Flick confident injured talent Lamine Yamal will return stronger
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The 18-year-old talent has been sidelined for the remainder of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury during Wednesdays LaLiga win against Celta Vigo for Barcelona.

Lamine Yamal earned and successfully converted a penalty that kept his team nine points ahead of Real Madrid at the summit of the standings, yet he soon clutched his leg in agony and was forced to withdraw from the match.

"Its not easy this situation for us, but also for him," Flick shared with the media.

"He knows it was his first muscle injury. What I can feel is that he is very focused. He has the motivation - he is out for us, but I think for the World Cup he will be there and he will be stronger, (he will) come back stronger than now."

The player, who placed second in last years Ballon dOr rankings and played a vital role in Spains EURO 2024 success, remains central to Barcelonas bid to retain their LaLiga crown.

Flick noted that Yamal might have initially aggravated the issue from the challenge that led to the penalty, though he was unaware of the severity at the time since it marked his debut such injury.

"He felt something after the foul, but I think it was not so much. And he decided to kick the penalty, and after that its maybe more," explained Flick.

"He never had a muscle injury before, so its also part of learning about the signal the body gives you.

"Its not so easy because he is really young, but in the end its an experience. And this is what he has to learn."

Yamal has notched 24 goals and delivered 18 assists for Barcelona this season in all tournaments, with nine strikes coming in his last 12 league appearances.

"I really appreciate a lot the last few weeks. He was on an unbelievable level. Hes more mature than 18," Flick remarked.

"Hes clever, hes smart, and he knows what he wants. Of course, now this injury affects him also... but then you have to focus on whats going on in the process to come back, to get fitter and fitter and better and better."