Barcelona attacker Lamine Yamal allegedly missed the squad's last comprehensive training session ahead of their home match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, casting uncertainty on his participation in the Copa del Rey semi-final.
You could feel the tension mounting at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Monday morning. Cameras lingered on the empty slot where Yamal usually welcomes the weekly photo op and whispers swirled through the corridors.
A teenage prodigy absent on the eve of a semi-final? That’s news in Barcelona.
Yamal wasn't performing at his peak during Barcelona's tough journey to Las Palmas on Saturday night, frequently appearing frustrated when confronted with the hosts' strong marking tactics.
The teen successfully forged the chance that resulted in Dani Olmo's second-half goal in a match that ultimately concluded with a 2-0 victory.
There were moments in Gran Canaria when his frustration was visible furrowed brows, frustrated gestures but then he popped up with the sort of vision beyond his years, threading that assist to Olmo. El PaÃs described it as “his game amid the chaos,” a lovely way of saying he was both the victim and the architect of Barcelona’s conclusion.
Following the game, Yamal shared a photo of a sock drenched in blood on social media, accompanied by the caption: "It's not a foul" a direct critique of the referee's choice to ignore a notably aggressive tackle. Only a few days prior, he had fervently supported the officials of La Liga.
Barcelona fans have seen players tweet drama before, but Yamal's post carried a mix of innocence and defiance like a schoolboy who just wants fairness.
Florentino Pérez took note too: “He’s growing under pressure,” he told Marca. That piccolo protest resonated through Catalunya.
Barcelona conducted a training session on Monday morning as they prepared for Atletico's visit, but Yamal was absent, as reported by SPORT.
The Spanish media disclosed that the 17-year-old had to train alone in the gym to prevent further injury to his foot.
He popped in visitations amid sets of kettlebells and foam rollers. Senior players high-fived him on the way through. No one panicked. But it still raised eyebrows. Spanish broadcaster RTVE called it “a smart precaution” yet those watching live could see the concern in Flick’s eyes.
Nonetheless, this injury has been referred to as a "minor setback," and Yamal is anticipated to participate against Atletico to some extent. Hansi Flick will be eager for his talented winger to be healthy enough to begin on Tuesday night.
“Maybe not 90 minutes,” said Flick with a sigh of relief at yesterday’s press conference. “But I believe he’ll be involved. We need him in moments of this intensity.” There was cautious optimism there, an openness rarely seen in high-pressure Copa contexts.
The Catalan giants have faced Spanish rivals without Yamal in the starting lineup on six separate occasions this season. Barcelona's sole win in this stretch came against fourth-division UD Barbastro in the third round of the Copa del Rey.
It’s a telling stat. Six matches, one full-strength opponent and that against minnows. It tracks how reliant Barca have become on his pace and unpredictability.
Although Celta Vigo managed a 2-2 tie, Osasuna, Real Sociedad, Las Palmas, and their next rival Atletico Madrid have all overcome a Yamal-less Barcelona this season.
Last December’s draw with Celta was particularly painful Barca fans still whisper about how Yamal might have changed the game. Without him on the wing, Barcelona looked like they were paddling upstream without a paddle predictable, ground-bound.
Diego Simeone's title contenders achieved a 2-1 win when they clashed in the league last December while Yamal was out due to an ankle injury, concluding an incredible run of Catalan disappointment for the famed Argentine manager.
Simeone had never defeated Barcelona at their home stadium during 17 previous visits to the northeastern region of Spain.
When Simeone finally stood triumphant at Camp Nou, cameras captured Yamal being carried to safety with that gash on his foot and Atletico lifted morale as much as the trophy that day. For Simeone, it was vindication: “We always prepared for his absence,” he admitted. It was a complex psychological blow to Barcelona.
The match against Atletico on Tuesday marks the first leg of a two-part Copa del Rey semi-final, with the second leg in Madrid planned for Wednesday, 2 April.
Back-to-back midweek ties in April that's six straight, high-stakes fixtures. Barcelona need freshness, sharpness, something to pierce Simeone’s iron wall. And Yamal brings just that fox-in-the-box unpredictability
But against Atletico? Their marking is almost ritualistic Simeone drills it in ‘elite scouting days’. Without Yamal, Barcelona might be reduced to slower, build-up play and crosses into a packed box. Fans and analysts agree: Barca look a different animal with Yamal on the field.
He’s also tied to the city. A local lad from Esplugues, La Masia product he personifies Barça’s DNA: daring, ambitious, audacious. Losing him for even part of a semi-final could feel like losing a piece of identity.
But If he does not parcitipate Flick must recalibrate. Raphinha’s experience might help, but it misses Yamal’s unpredictability. It’s more medical strategy than football substitution and that’s not ideal for players who feed off instinct
Each scuff, each minute in the gym, writes the next chapter. Tuesday night isn’t just a semi-final it’s a test of who Barcelona are – without their symbol of rebellion and speed.