Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal Fires Back at Critics, Slams 'Lies' as Club Battles Crisis
Lamine Yamal dismissed recent "falsehoods" spreading about his fitness concerns and confirmed he feels "well" after Barcelona's frustrating 3–3 stalemate with Club Brugge.
A significant portion of the Catalans' 2025–26 season has been overshadowed by an escalating injury epidemic. Yamal was among numerous players on an extensive list relegated to the treatment room during the initial phases of Barcelona's Spanish championship defense.
The young star was sidelined for three weeks in September following a groin problem sustained while on duty with Spain's national squad, then was compelled to return to recovery in October after re-injuring the same area.
Recent media speculation suggested that Yamal might require surgical intervention to completely resolve the condition, but the Spanish talent dismissed these claims on Wednesday evening.
"I am well," Yamal informed reporters following Barcelona's setback in the Champions League. "I attempt to avoid reading such things. Much has been written about my fitness issues and alleged unhappiness.
"Those were all falsehoods. I was determined to work diligently to return to this standard, which is when I feel most comfortable and enjoy myself most."
Yamal has been in the starting lineup for the past five matches for the reigning Spanish titleholders since his return from his second period of absence. The attacking player has contributed three goals and two assists during this stretch, recently spearheading Barcelona's fightback at Jan Breydel Stadium.
Hansi Flick's squad fell behind on three occasions in an entertaining encounter with Club Brugge, but managed to recover and secure a draw from what was otherwise a disappointing defensive display.
Hansi Flick: Yamal Must 'Manage' His Fitness
Despite Yamal's assurances both through his performances and public statements, Flick continues to monitor his star player's physical condition carefully.
"I am pleased that Lamine has returned to this standard, but as I mentioned, we cannot predict tomorrow; we cannot foresee next Sunday," the German manager stated during his post-match media briefing.
"The crucial aspect is that he handles this current situation properly because it presents challenges. He must concentrate on his responsibilities, his training approach, and also his medical care.
"If he manages these elements correctly, hopefully the issue will resolve, but it's difficult to predict the timeline given the circumstances," Flick concluded.
Yamal and his Barcelona colleagues will have just three days to recuperate from their demanding encounter against Club Brugge before returning to La Liga competition on Sunday against Celta Vigo.
The major fitness examination for the 18-year-old, however, will arrive during the international window, where he is anticipated to feature for Spain in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia and Türkiye.