BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick criticized the Spanish national team on Saturday for their handling of teenage winger Lamine Yamal, who has been ruled out of Sunday’s La Liga match against Valencia due to a groin injury sustained during international duty.
Yamal, 18, did not train with the first team this week and is now also a doubt for Barcelona’s upcoming Champions League clash with Newcastle on Thursday. The young forward featured in both of Spain’s recent 2026 World Cup qualifying wins over Bulgaria and Turkey, despite reportedly dealing with discomfort prior to the call-up.
“He will not be available for me, it’s a pity,” Flick told reporters at a press conference. “He went to the national team with pain, he did not train, he got painkillers for playing.”
Flick expressed frustration over Yamal’s heavy minutes for Spain despite the team’s comfortable victories. “In every match, they were three goals or more ahead. He played 79 and 73 minutes. Between the matches, he didn’t train. This is not taking care of players,” the German coach added.
Acknowledging Spain’s depth and quality, Flick still questioned the decision to use Yamal so extensively, given his age and condition. Spain has the best team in the world, the best players in the world. In every position, they are unbelievably good. Maybe also when we want to take care of players — young players — it’s like that, doing this… I’m really sad about this.”
Flick said he exchanged brief messages with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente but noted that language barriers might have hindered effective communication. “Maybe it’s all about my Spanish not being good, his English not being good. Communication… there could be better,” said Flick, who previously managed the German national team. “I was also on this side, a national team coach, and I know how hard this job can be. But the communication with the clubs was always good.”
Barcelona’s injury concerns extend beyond Yamal. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong will also miss the Valencia match, although Marc Bernal is set to return to the squad after a nine-month absence due to a knee injury.
Sunday’s fixture will take place at the club’s temporary home, the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium, with the Spotify Camp Nou still undergoing redevelopment.
“I spoke with the players, the captains, and they said it will not affect us,” Flick said. “When we play at the new Camp Nou, 105,000 capacity, maybe it’s a little bit different from playing at the Johan. As I said before, it’s not an excuse. I will not use it. Valencia also has to play in this stadium.”
Barcelona currently trails in the La Liga title race and will be hoping to avoid further setbacks as the club navigates a critical stretch in both domestic and European competitions.
