Wednesday's Champions League clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain should have immediately seen the top two players in the 2025 Ballon d'Or vote squaring off against one another. However, while Lamine Yamal has returned to full fitness just in time for the game at Montjuic, Ousmane Dembele will remain sidelined for at least another couple of weeks.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has sent the Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal a firm reminder that “talent alone isn’t enough” ahead of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The German urged the 18-year-old to back up his dazzling skills with work rate and discipline, playing down the hype around him and insisting the winger must step up defensively to reach the next level.

Barcelona are reportedly planning to block Lamine Yamal from being called up by Spain for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria as the fallout from the forward’s recent groin injury continues. The Blaugrana were incensed after discovering the 18-year-old aggravated a groin issue by taking painkillers to play in his country’s international double header earlier this month.

Barcelona and Spain have been warned over the handling of Lamine Yamal following the forward’s return from a groin injury. The 18-year-old came off the bench to help Hansi Flick's side defeat Real Sociedad 2-1 in La Liga on Sunday evening, having missed their previous four games with a groin problem which was aggravated while on international duty.

Barcelona continue to shine in La Liga with the team topping the table after a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. Key players like Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, and returning star Lamine Yamal impressed, but it was Pedri who stood out as both a midfield engine and an emerging leader. Hansi Flick praised the Spaniard for his tactical intelligence and influence, highlighting his pivotal role in Barca’s resurgence.