Barcelona begin their quest to claim the Spanish Supercopa crown against Athletic Club in the semi-finals, taking place in Saudi Arabia, but they will do so without their talisman Lamine Yamal in the starting line-up. In a shock reveal, Hansi Flick named the 18-year-old on the bench, opting for a more cautious approach after struggling with injury issues this season.
Barcelona's preparations for the Spanish Super Cup have been thrown into chaos just 24 hours before kick-off. While teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sat out the final training session due to illness, the club has been rocked by the sudden departure of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The veteran goalkeeper has flown back to Spain after suffering a fresh injury setback, leaving Hansi Flick's squad depleted.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed the club are closing in on a deal to re-sign Joao Cancelo on loan. The full-back spent the 2023-24 season with Barca after being forced out of the first-team picture at Manchester City, but the Catalan side declined the chance to sign him permanently. But Cancelo is set to return to Camp Nou for the rest of 2025-26.
Real Madrid have suffered a massive blow ahead of the Spanish Super Cup as Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of the entire tournament with a knee injury. The French superstar will not travel to Saudi Arabia as the club adopts a 'zero risk' policy, though there is a major boost for Xabi Alonso with Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to the squad after injury.
Athletic Club captain Inaki Williams has slammed the decision to play the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. The tournament will once again take place in the Middle East in January with Athletic facing defending La Liga champions Barcelona in the semi-finals. The winners of the match will go on to face either Real Madrid or Atletico in the final for the chance to claim the first Spanish trophy of the current season.
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