Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has criticised Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal after revealing the winger took painkillers to play in their World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey. Flick confirmed the teenager will subsequently miss the Blaugrana’s La Liga clash with Valencia on Sunday evening with a groin injury.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick reportedly locked Marcus Rashford & Co. in the dressing room following their draw with Rayo Vallecano as the Blaugrana boss was left fuming with the dip in standards. After a bright start to the campaign, which saw the Catalan giants secure 3-0 and 3-2 wins over Mallorca and Levante respectively, the draw left Flick seething.
Marcus Rashford was handed his first La Liga start for Barcelona on Saturday but lasted only 45 minutes as Hansi Flick opted to replace the Manchester United loanee at half-time during their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Levante. Despite a bright opening spell, Rashford was withdrawn with the Blaugrana trailing 2-0 at the break before a late fightback secured all three points.