Hansi Flick seething over Spain's handling of injured Lamine Yamal as Barcelona boss reveals wonderkid is out of Valencia clash

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo revealed earlier on Saturday that Yamal had pulled out of training ahead of the Valencia game due to experiencing physical discomfort. While Barcelona are also yet to confirm the exact nature of Yamal's complaint, MD added that the 18-year-old was struggling with a back problem before linking up with Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad.

And in a press conference ahead of the Valencia match, Barcelona manager Flick, 60, could not hide his anger as he confirmed Yamal will miss the game, particularly taking aim at how long the forward remained on the pitch for in Spain's victories over Bulgaria and Turkey.

A furious Flick told the media on Saturday afternoon: "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."

With Yamal set to miss the Valencia game, 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.

Barcelona entertain Valencia in what will be their first home match of the 2025-26 La Liga season. Flick's men played their opening three league games on the road, securing victories over Mallorca and Levante before drawing with Rayo Vallecano in their most recent outing.