Why isn’t Lamine Yamal playing for Barcelona against Sevilla today?

Barcelona fans were surprised to see Lamine Yamal missing from the starting lineup against Sevilla on Sunday. But the decision appears to be part of Hansi Flick’s plan to manage his squad ahead of a crucial Champions League match next week.

The teenage winger has been given a rest as Barcelona prepare to host Newcastle in the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie. With only four days between matches, Flick has opted to rotate several players. The first leg finished tied at a goal apiece, with Yamal scoring a penalty deep into stoppage time.

Before the lineup was confirmed, the Barcelona coach hinted that Yamal could be one of the players rested.

“We’ll see…,” Flick said when asked about possible rotation for the young star during his pre-match press conference.

Flick rotates with Newcastle in mind

The starting XI against Sevilla shows clear signs that Flick is thinking about the Champions League game.

Roony replaces Yamal on the right wing, while Xavi Espart comes into the team for his first start after making his debut in Newcastle. His inclusion also suggests that Eric García is still not fully fit.

Dani Olmo returns to the attacking midfield role, a move that could indicate Fermín López may start in the Champions League. Another notable selection is Raphinha, who many expected to be rested with Marcus Rashford potentially coming into the lineup.

Overall, the team selection strongly suggests that Flick is managing minutes carefully ahead of next week’s European clash.

Barcelona lineup vs Sevilla

Barcelona start with:

Joan García; Xavi Espart, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, João Cancelo; Marc Bernal, Pedri; Roony, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski.

Flick has made three changes compared with the team that started in the Champions League, with Yamal’s absence the most notable.

A big week for Barcelona

Barcelona face Sevilla while sitting top of LaLiga, but attention is already turning toward the decisive Champions League match against Newcastle.

The upcoming European night will also be special at Spotify Camp Nou, which is reopening two sections of the Gol Nord stand. That will raise the stadium’s temporary capacity to around 62,000 spectators.

With such an important match approaching, Flick appears to have decided that giving Yamal a break now is the best way to ensure the young star is fresh for one of the biggest games of the season.

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