Barcelona sweat on Lamine Yamal's fitness ahead of Atletico Madrid clash as wonderkid winger misses training

The 17-year-old missed first-team training on Monday, less than 48 hours after showing a bloodied sock following Barcelona's 2-0 win at Las Palmas. However, Sport claims the winger is merely saving himself for Tuesday's Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.

Part of Barcelona's recent resurgence in La Liga, a run that has seen them overtake Atletico and Real Madrid in the table, has been down to Yamal's impressive form. If they want to beat Diego Simeone's dogged side, having the Spain international at the Blaugrana's disposal will be a big boost.

Yamal has scored 11 goals and bagged 16 assists in 33 appearances in all competitions for Hansi Flick's Barca this season.

Barca are preparing for a busy period of games as after the Atletico cup tie, they face Real Sociedad, Benfica twice, and Osasuna in the space of just over two weeks.