Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick expressed uncertainty on Saturday regarding whether teenage winger Lamine Yamal will be fit to start in the team’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Flick revealed that Yamal had been working indoors and undergoing specific strength training after a busy few weeks of matches, and the coaching staff would assess his condition further on Sunday morning.
When asked about other player injuries, Flick confirmed that playmaker Dani Olmo, who had been feeling unwell overnight, was recovering and expected to be available for the match.
“Dani felt a bit uncomfortable last night, but this morning he’s feeling better.
With just treatments and medical care, I believe he’ll be ready for tomorrow,” said Flick.
Defender Pau Cubarsi, who suffered a cut on his face during Barcelona’s Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday, is also expected to play.
Flick reassured reporters, saying, “Pau trained with us for the entire session, so I think he will be fit to play.”
Heading into the weekend, Barcelona holds a commanding nine-point lead over second-place Real Madrid in the league standings.
Flick also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of punctuality, addressing a recent incident where French defender Jules Kounde was reportedly dropped from the starting lineup for a match against Alaves in October after arriving late for a team meeting.
“It’s a rule.
I don’t discuss past events, but it’s about respect for the team,” Flick stated.
“If you’re five minutes late, the others have to wait.
That’s not respectful, and it’s not my understanding of being respectful,” he added.
AFP
