Big boost for Barcelona! Catalans pencil in return date for Lamine Yamal as wonderkid set to step up recovery from ankle injury

While Yamal managed to finish the 90 minutes against Crvena Zvezda, as he helped his side to a 5-2 Champions League win, it transpired after the match that he had picked up a grade one ankle syndesmosis, an injury that kept him out of the squad for the Catalans' subsequent game against Real Sociedad, in which they fell to a 1-0 loss.

Yamal has carried the momentum from a show-stealing performance at Euro 2024 into the start of the domestic season, and has so far sparkled on Barcelona's right wing, contributing six goals and eight assists in 16 games. Still just 17, Yamal has continued to out-perform even his staunchest of supporters, but with youth comes susceptibility to injury.

Barcelona have had similar problems in the past with injuries to young players. During Pedri's breakthrough season, the midfielder took part in 52 games for the club, and it would take another two seasons for him to reach that figure again due to a succession of physical issues.

While Barcelona will be hyper-aware of not doing the same to Yamal, he is crucial to the way Hansi Flick's side play, and without him, they look somewhat stunted in attack.

AS report that Yama's recovery is going well and he will undergo further tests in training next week. As things stand, Barcelona expect Yamal to be part of the squad to face Celta Vigo. Manager Hansi Flick is unlikely to start Yamal at Balaidos but he could play 20-25 minutes off the bench.

Should Yamal be fit to play by the end of the international break, he will be in the Barcelona squad for their journey to Celta Vigo, who currently sit 11th in the league.

After suffering a surprise defeat to Real Sociedad last time out, Barcelona will be hungry for a win here to maintain their six point gap to El Clasico rivals Real Madrid, who lie second.