New Delhi: Barcelona’s squad faces a challenging international break as both young sensation Lamine Yamal and star striker Robert Lewandowski have been ruled out from representing their national teams due to injuries. The absence of these two key players will likely impact both the Spanish and Polish national teams, as well as Barcelona’s upcoming games upon their return.
Lamine Yamal was left out of the Barcelona squad in their latest La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad which ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat. The 17-year-old forward suffered an ankle injury during Barcelona’s recent UEFA Champions League victory over Crvena Zvezda. Barcelona confirmed the youngster’s injury in a statement, noting that Yamal is still experiencing significant discomfort despite receiving treatment.
LATEST NEWS | First team player Lamine Yamal sustained a severe right ankle contusion in last Wednesday’s game against Red Star Belgrade. Over the past few days, he has undergone treatment, but the discomfort has yet to subside. His recovery will determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/yT8Uy3pyWA
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 10, 2024
Manager Hansi Flick expressed concerns over Spaniard’s condition, requesting that he skip international duty to focus on recovery. “We will miss Lamine Yamal. I don’t know if he’ll return right after the international break, but we’ve asked that he not travel with Spain,” Flick shared. The Spanish national team and Barcelona alike will be hoping for a swift recovery for Yamal, who has contributed six goals and eight assists this season and has emerged as a consistent threat on the right flank.
🔵🔴⛔️ Hansi Flick: “We will miss now Lamine Yamal… I don’t know if he will return after the international break”.
“We’ve asked for him not to travel to national team”. pic.twitter.com/NDrYd34Yep
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 10, 2024
Meanwhile, veteran forward Robert Lewandowski has also sustained a back injury and has withdrawn from the Polish national team’s fixtures against Portugal and Scotland. He has been instrumental for Barcelona this season as he has netted 19 times for Barca and is currently the league’s top scorer. Alongside Yamal and fellow forward Raphinha, he has propelled Barcelona to the top of La Liga, helping them set the pace with impressive wins both domestically and in Europe.
The injury was reportedly aggravated during the loss to Real Sociedad. Barcelona confirmed that Lewandowski will be out for around 10 days, hoping for his swift return for key upcoming matches.
🚨 LATEST NEWS 🚨
▶ Tests this morning confirmed that first team player Lamine Yamal has a grade 1 high right ankle sprain. He is expected to be out for two to three weeks.
▶ Robert Lewandowski has suffered a lower back injury. He will be out of action for approximately 10… pic.twitter.com/n43ITQWoaT
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 11, 2024
What next for Barcelona?
Robert Lewandowski is expected to be back in action before the club’s next La Liga encounter against Celta Vigo which is scheduled on November 23 after the international break while Yamal will likely remain sidelined until at least December.
If Lewandowski fails to make a comeback then the absence of both players could challenge Flick’s squad depth particularly as they strive to maintain their La Liga position and advance in the Champions League.
Barcelona’s latest La Liga fixture highlighted the importance of these key players. In the game against Real Sociedad Barcelona struggled to score for the first time under Flick with Lewandowski’s early goal disallowed due to offside.
Flick was visibly frustrated with the decision and called it a “huge mistake,” but ultimately, Barcelona’s attack lacked the spark Yamal often brings. The defeat underscored Yamal’s value on the right wing, as Barcelona’s offense failed to break down Sociedad’s defense in his absence.
Barcelona will be hoping the break gives them enough time to recuperate with Hansi Flick already expressing caution about their availability immediately after. As Barcelona presses on without two of their biggest stars their resilience will be put to the test.
Barcelona released an official update on Lamine Yamal’s injury as Robert Lewandowski joins wonderkid after sustaining an injury. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
