Barcelona
Lamine Yamal injury latest: green light for the Super Cup
Lamine’s sprained right ankle is progressing very well, according to AS.
Lamine Yamal’s recovery is progressing well. According to AS, the young FC Barcelona star underwent a thorough examination on Sunday during the squad’s first training session after the Christmas break to assess the state of his right ankle, injured on December 15 during the LaLiga match against Leganés.
The results were highly encouraging: the ankle is now completely stable, and Yamal is expected to resume on-pitch training soon, with the primary goal of being fit for the Spanish Super Cup.
Both the player and the medical team are optimistic, and they have shared this confidence with Hansi Flick, who is hopeful to have the Barça star available for the match against Athletic on January 8.
When will Lamine Yamal return?
The club initially estimated Yamal’s recovery time at “three to four weeks.” However, there is growing confidence within the dressing room that he will return closer to the three-week mark, making his inclusion in the squad traveling to Saudi Arabia on January 6 almost certain.
The plan is to remove his orthopaedic boot in the coming days, allowing him to begin light training on the pitch. If his recovery continues without setbacks, Yamal could rejoin group training after the Copa del Rey match against Barbastro on January 4.
His participation in that game is completely ruled out, as the focus remains on ensuring he is ready to help the team secure the Super Cup—marking the first potential trophy of the Flick era.
Two more players on the road to recovery
Yamal’s determination to return quickly saw him travel to Dubai this week to collect the award for Best Emerging Player. Throughout the trip, he was accompanied by a club trainer to ensure his rehabilitation routine remained uninterrupted.
In addition to Yamal, two more players are awaiting medical clearance in early 2024: Andreas Christensen and Ferran Torres. Christensen, sidelined since undergoing surgery for tendinopathy in late August, may receive clearance even before Yamal.
He has already surpassed the four-month recovery period initially predicted when the club temporarily deregistered him to register Dani Olmo.
Meanwhile, Torres, injured during the final game of 2024 against Atlético de Madrid, has an unofficial recovery timeline of three weeks. While his participation in the Copa del Rey is ruled out, his availability for the Super Cup remains uncertain.
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