Explained: Bizarre reason Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal is banned from playing in Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro

The 16-year-old would likely have been given the nod to feature against the fourth-tier team in Aragon but was not eligible to feature for Xavi's team. The Spain international is currently serving a suspension after being sent off in last year's Copa del Rey Junior, with the ban carrying on to the current term for the senior competition. He will also miss their next Copa del Rey match.

Barca boss Xavi told the press that he was aware of the youngster's ban, telling reporters: "We know that Lamine Yamal got a red card in the Copa Del Rey [Junior] and will be suspended for two games."

Yamal has impressed since breaking into the Barcelona senior team. He has scored one goal and provided two assists in 25 appearances for the Catalan club in all competitions. He has also earned a place in the Spain team, playing four times and scoring two goals.

Yamal will hope to be back in the Barcelona squad when his team take on Osasuna in the Supercopa de Espana on January 11. They will then take on Real Betis in La Liga on January 21.