Lamine Yamal warned he must 'take responsibility over his body' as Hansi Flick addresses concerns over Barcelona star's playing time

The 17-year-old prodigy has been an integral part of Barca’s campaign this season, featuring in 39 matches across all competitions. With an impressive tally of 13 goals and 17 assists, Yamal has cemented his place as a key contributor to the team's title ambitions.

If Yamal does not feature in the starting lineup against Girona on Sunday, it would be the first time in four months that he begins a match on the bench. The last time he was named as a substitute was on November 30 against Las Palmas, when he was recovering from an ankle issue. Even then, it was not a tactical decision, as he was introduced at half-time to help his team.

With crucial matches looming, Flick is eager to avoid burnout among his key players, particularly as Barcelona continue to compete on multiple fronts.

"I think Lamine is very intelligent and knows how to manage the game," the manager said. "I spoke to him this morning to find out how he is, and he is very positive. I always speak to the players. If they feel something, they can come and tell me what is happening to them.

"Every player has responsibility for their bodies. If something happens or there is something different to normal, they have to speak. That's what we want because in my experience as a player, if you notice something and you don't take care of it, something ends up happening. I want the players to take responsibility for their bodies. It's an important thing when you play as a professional, at a level like Barcelona."

Yamal has already played 3,181 minutes this season, making him the fifth most-utilised player in the squad - trailing only Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Pedri and Pau Cubarsí.

Barcelona's next challenge is against Girona on Sunday, but the real test arrives just days later in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano. Beyond that, Barcelona face a gruelling run of fixtures, including a league match against Real Betis next Saturday, followed by the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund.