Yamal set to return as wounded Barca start Clasico countdown
Barcelona, plagued by injuries, anticipate Lamine Yamals recovery in time for their La Liga match against Girona this Saturday, offering a vital lift as the Catalan outfit looks to recover from a heavy setback with the Clasico looming.
Hansi Flicks team suffered a 4-1 thrashing at Sevilla prior to the international pause and now needs to regroup ahead of their clash with Real Madrid on October 26.
Midfielder Pedri Gonzalez described Barcas display in Seville as their poorest under Flicks tenure, and since that match, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have picked up knocks that have worsened their situation.
Nevertheless, Yamal and Fermin Lopez have rejoined training this week and should be available for the Girona fixture, with Raphinha also close to making a comeback.
The young sensation Yamal sat out the Sevilla debacle and Spains World Cup qualifiers due to a recurring groin issue but is set to play in the upcoming derby against Girona.
Yamal rejoining the squad represents a significant positive for Barca during this demanding schedule, including a Champions League outing versus Olympiacos on Tuesday before the Clasico.
Joan Garcia, Gavi, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain sidelined for the longer term, leaving Flicks choices limited and little scope for squad changes.
The manager took care not to erode his players confidence further following their meltdown in Seville.
"It was just one game that we dropped, and we must press on," stated the coach, commending the sides second-half effort after a dismal opening 45 minutes.
This marked Barcelonas initial loss of the campaign, placing them two points adrift of table-topping Real Madrid, though it was not their sole subpar showing.
Barca managed a 1-1 stalemate at Rayo Vallecano back in August, prompting Flick to criticise the squad sharply and imply they had become overconfident after clinching a domestic treble the previous year.
"Ego can destroy achievements," cautioned the German tactician, aiming to realign his players focus.
The approach appeared effective, as they notched up several victories even without the young talent Yamal, but his fresh injury during the Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain preceded the severe reversal at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
Barcelona began the prior season strongly yet faltered in November and December, enabling Atletico Madrid to surge past them into first place.
Flick will be determined to prevent such a downturn this term, and entertaining Girona, who sit 18th, in a local derby presents an ideal chance to resume winning form.
The encounter is scheduled at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill in the city, as Barcelonas renovated Camp Nou remains unavailable due to ongoing postponements.
"Im eager to return to Camp Nou alongside all our supporters," remarked midfielder Frenkie de Jong, following his contract extension to 2029 announced on Wednesday.
"The exact timing is unclear, but were impatient."
Real Madrid take on Getafe on Sunday, with hopes that their in-form forward Kylian Mbappe has shaken off an ankle injury.
Villarreal, in third position, entertain Real Betis, while Atletico Madrid host Osasuna.
Player to watch: Luis Milla
Getafe midfielder Milla has emerged as his clubs standout performer this season, delivering five assists, more than any other player in the elite division. The Madrid underdogs welcome rivals Los Blancos for a derby, and should they aim to secure any points, Milla is poised to contribute crucially.
Key stats
4 - Liga matches Barca have conceded first in
7 - matches unbeaten for Atletico Madrid
28 - yellow cards for Sevilla, the most in the top flight
Fixtures
Friday (all times GMT)
Oviedo v Espanyol (1900)
Saturday
Sevilla v Mallorca (1200), Barcelona v Girona (1415), Villarreal v Real Betis (1630), Atletico Madrid v Osasuna (1900)
Sunday
Elche v Athletic Bilbao (1200), Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad (1415), Levante v Rayo Vallecano (1630), Getafe v Real Madrid (1900)
Monday
Alaves v Valencia (1900)