Yamal's Ballon d'Or setback to fuel his drive: Barcelona manager Flick

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal will channel the frustration of losing out on the Ballon d'Or to Ousmane Dembele into improved performances, according to team boss Hansi Flick on Wednesday.

The 18 year old winger came runner up to the Paris Saint Germain forward Dembele at the lavish event in Paris on Monday in the race for the top individual award, though he did secure the Kopa Trophy as the outstanding young talent.

"I talked to him yesterday, and I believe he is viewing it correctly, so it serves as extra drive for him over the coming years," Flick stated during a press briefing.

"Dembele earned it too, it is a ballot process and various factors can influence outcomes, and I feel he has taken it well, plus he is eager to prove himself again this term.

"Perhaps in the following campaign he could contend for the Ballon d'Or once more, but I am truly pleased that so many from our squad are in contention like this, and it benefits the group immensely. It highlights the success of the previous year, and that remains our target this time around."

Yamal was pivotal in Barcelona securing a Spanish treble comprising La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

The forward will sit out Thursdays encounter against Real Oviedo due to a groin problem as the title holders aim to stay close to La Liga frontrunners Real Madrid, who defeated Levante on Tuesday to extend their lead to five points over Barcelona.

In the prior campaign the Blaugrana faltered in fixtures absent the young star, yet they convincingly beat Valencia and Getafe in their most recent two outings without him.

"I am delighted, I do not dwell on absent players, I concentrate solely on the available squad," Flick remarked.

"The choices for the lineup... I am content with what I have. It changes nothing, any eleven can secure victories. It poses no major issue."

Midfielder Gavi faces a four to five month absence following knee surgery on Tuesday.

The 21 year old had already sat out almost a year due to a knee ligament injury suffered in November 2023.

"We must support him carefully, progressing gradually, since he is just 21 and boasts a long career ahead spanning the next 10 to 15 years," Flick explained.

"He is a fighter with immense passion, full of intensity, deeply committed... I would not say he would give his life, for the club, but that is his style, and I am thrilled to count him in my ranks.

"Naturally we look forward to his return, it will challenge the side since he brings exceptional skill, but we all stand by him, aiding his recovery to peak form, and that is our current priority for him."