Barcelona dealt 'severe' Lamine Yamal injury blow as star winger is left out of Hansi Flick's squad to face Real Sociedad

Yamal was left out of the travelling Barcelona squad for their game against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening. Barcelona confirmed the 17-year-old suffered a 'severe contusion' in their 5-2 win over Crvena zvezda in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"First team player Lamine Yamal sustained a severe contusion in last Wednesday's game against Red Star Belgrade," Barcelona wrote in a statement on social media. "Over the past few days, he has undergone treatment, but the discomfort has yet to subside. His recovery will determine his availability."

Before kick-off against Sociedad, Hansi Flick gave an update on Yamal's injury. "We tried until the end with Lamine," he said. "We have to take care of him, he has problems with his ankle."

The Barca boss added after seeing his side fall to defeat in San Sebastian: "I'm not sure if Lamine will be back after the international break. Nothing is clear yet. As soon as we know we'll announce it."

Hansi Flick turned to 21-year-old Fermin Lopez in Yamal's absence, with the Spain international starting in attack alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. Barcelona had been in fine form in La Liga, winning 11 of their first 12 matches, and Yamal has contributed five goals and seven assists to their cause.

However, without Yamal they were unable to keep up that momentum, as Sociedad earned a 1-0 win over the La Liga leaders thanks to a 33rd-minute goal from Sheraldo Becker.

The Blaugrana's lead over Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings has been cut to six points after the loss at Sociedad, and the reigning champions still have a game in hand. Barca will be hoping Yamal can return as quickly as possible.