Revealed: When Barcelona expect Lamine Yamal to return as they prepare for Saudi Arabian Super Cup clash with Athletic Bilbao on January 8

The Catalan giants will return to action on January 4 following a brief winter break as they take on Barbastro in a Copa del Rey round of 32 clash. Hansi Flick is expected to field a second-string side against the fourth-tier club as the first team will prepare for their Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on January 8.

According to Marca, star winger Yamal is all set to return to training next week. The player, though, is unlikely to be risked in the less important Copa del Rey fixture as the club remain confident that the 17-year-old will be able to play some part in the Super Cup last-four tie.

The Spain international went off injured in his side's win against Leganes earlier this month and was initially ruled out for several weeks with an ankle injury. The player was then sent to the United Arab Emirates, alongside a cousin and a friend, to relax and work out in the gym. Over the last week, Yamal has been undergoing treatment with platelet-rich plasma in the hope it will allow him to return earlier.

If Flick's side manage to beat Athletic Club in the semi-final, they will face the winner of Real Madrid and Mallorca in the final of the competition on January 12.