Barcelona Fans Hold Their Breath: Is Lamine Yamal Ready for Sevilla Showdown?
Barcelona press forward in their quest for another La Liga championship this Sunday evening when they welcome relegation-threatened Sevilla to Camp Nou, though questions remain about star striker Lamine Yamal's fitness for the encounter.
The Catalan giants understand they cannot be overtaken at the top this weekend but will be eager to secure their fourth consecutive La Liga victory by defeating their southern Spanish opponents.
Despite keeping one focus on the forthcoming Champions League round of 16 return leg against Newcastle United—the initial meeting concluded level following a late Yamal spot-kick—Hansi Flick's squad must maintain concentration on their domestic campaign.
Yamal, who has registered seven goal involvements across his previous five appearances, would significantly ease Sunday's challenge with his participation, but can Barcelona count on their Spanish sensation this weekend?
Will Lamine Yamal Play Against Sevilla?
Will Lamine Yamal Play Against Sevilla?
Concerns arose regarding Yamal's readiness for Sevilla's arrival when he was absent from Wednesday's training session completely, with worries about a potential injury picked up at St James' Park the previous evening. Nevertheless, all anxieties surrounding the 18-year-old have been put to rest.
Yamal was merely absent due to sickness and made his welcome return to practice on Friday, with Barcelona confirming he was "back to his normal state" and that he "participated normally" in a statement on their official website.
Consequently, Yamal should be ready for the meeting with 15th-positioned Sevilla as they look to prevent a potential stumble. Their adversaries have secured just one victory in their last five matches but remain undefeated during that period, last suffering a loss away to Mallorca in early February.
Sevilla also demolished Barça 4–1 in October's corresponding fixture at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, delivering one of La Liga's biggest surprises this season as they shocked the title holders.
Importantly, Yamal was absent along with fellow winger Raphinha for that encounter, with his presence this weekend likely to produce a more favorable result for the Catalans.
In additional encouraging news for Flick, one of his preferred center-backs, Eric García, also rejoined training on Friday after being a late withdrawal from the European fixture against Newcastle, while Gavi has been cleared to return following five months recovering from injury.