Lamine Yamal is on his way back! Hansi Flick confirms when injured winger is expected back as Barcelona gear up for Supercopa de Espana clash

The Barcelona boss provided a positive update on Yamal's fitness, claiming he expects the 17-year-old to return during their upcoming Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Athletic Club on January 8. The Catalan giants resumed action on Saturday after a brief winter break as they thrashed Barbastro 4-0 in a Copa del Rey round of 32 clash.

Yamal went off injured in his side's match against Leganes in December. He then jetted off to the United Arab Emirates, alongside a cousin and a friend, to relax and work out in the gym as part of his recovery process. The teenager is slowly regaining his fitness and could play a small part against Athletic Club in midweek.

Speaking to reporters, the German coach said: "We travel on Monday, we train on Monday in Barcelona and on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. That's all we have before that game. I think Lamine could be in the game against Athletic."

After their Supercopa de Espana exploits in Saudi Arabia, the Catalan giants will be back in action in La Liga on Saturday as they take on Getafe in an away fixture.