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Matthew Judge

Hansi Flick left seething by Spain's handling of injured Lamine Yamal as Barcelona boss reveals wonderkid is OUT of Valencia clash after playing through pain barrier on international duty

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.

  • Yamal pulled out of Barcelona training earlier on Saturday

    After Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo revealed on Saturday morning that Yamal had pulled out of training ahead of the Valencia game, Flick later confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the 18-year-old will be unavailable this weekend and could also miss Barcelona’s trip to Newcastle in the Champions League on Thursday.

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    Flick reveals Spain knew Yamal was carrying an injury

    Unable to contain his anger when addressing the media on Saturday afternoon, Flick, 60, revealed Spain started Yamal against both Bulgaria and Turkey despite being told the forward was carrying an injury ahead of joining up with the national team.

  • Flick expresses anger in pre-match press conference

    A furious Flick told reporters: "Lamine Yamal will not be available. He went with the national team in pain and did not train. They gave him painkillers to play. They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79, and between matches he couldn't train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this."

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  • Barcelona could turn to Rashford to replace Yamal

    With Yamal unavailable for the Valencia match, Marcus Rashford could be handed a start in his place. The England international, 27, is still searching for his first competitive goal for Barcelona following his season-long loan move from Manchester United in the summer.

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    Barcelona play host to Valencia but not at Camp Nou

    Barcelona host Valencia in what will be their first home match of the 2025-26 La Liga season. The fixture will not take place at Camp Nou, however, due to ongoing building work at the club's usual home. Flick's men, who played their opening three league games on the road against Mallorca, Levante and Rayo Vallecano, will instead run out at the Estadi Johan Cruyff this weekend.

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