PSG the target for Lamine Yamal as Barcelona await injured star's return ahead of Champions League clash against Ousmane Dembele & Co.

Barca sensation and Ballon d'Or runner-up Yamal’s return from pubic discomfort has been handled with great caution by Barcelona, who view the upcoming Champions League fixture against PSG as the key target, Marca reports. Although there was initial hope he could feature against Real Sociedad in La Liga this weekend, the plan is not to rush him. The young prodigy continues to train individually with the ball, and optimism remains that he will be available for the European encounter.

Barca boss Flick has refused to accelerate Yamal’s comeback despite pressure from fans and media. 

“He’s almost back. He looks good,” Flick told reporters before the La Liga clash with Oviedo. “We’re working on it, but with Lamine, you have to take it day by day.” 

Internally, Barca have ringfenced the Champions League clash against PSG on October 1 as the defining moment for Yamal’s comeback. Facing the Ballon d'Or winner Dembele and a PSG side that began their campaign with a 4-0 win over Atalanta, the fixture has been labelled as critical. Yamal’s creativity and energy could provide Barca with the spark needed against Luis Enrique’s men, who remain arguably one of Europe’s strongest outfits.

While Yamal’s recovery takes centre stage, defender Alejandro Balde has reportedly returned to group training after a muscle injury, offering Flick an additional defensive option. However, Barca were recently dealt further blows this week when Fermin Lopez was ruled out before learning Gavi faces five months on the sidelines alongside long-term absentee Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Barcelona face Oviedo and Real Sociedad in La Liga before heading into their high-profile Champions League clash with PSG. Even if Yamal makes the squad for domestic action, it is unlikely he will be rushed into a starting role. The club’s wider objective is to ensure he is fully fit for Paris, a match that could shape their European campaign. With El Clasico also on the horizon, Barca are managing resources carefully to ensure their brightest star is ready for the big stage.