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7 hours ago
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Lamine Yamal’s injury is a significant blow for Barcelona, and the team will have to manage without him for their upcoming match against Celta Vigo.
The young forward has been struggling with discomfort in his ankle, and the pain has not yet subsided.
Due to this persistent issue, it seems unlikely that he will be fit in time for Barcelona’s next Champions League match against Brest as well.
The club has made the cautious decision not to take any risks with Yamal’s health, opting to allow him to recover fully before returning to action.
This leaves Hansi Flick with the difficult task of finding a suitable replacement for Yamal, who has been one of the most influential players for Barcelona this season.
His absence will be keenly felt, as Yamal has been a key player in generating offensive play, contributing to both goals and assists. However, Flick must now find a way to fill the gap left by the 17-year-old winger.
Fermin Lopez on the right
Fermin Lopez could play on the right wing. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
With Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres also out injured, Flick’s options are limited. One potential solution could be to continue trusting Fermin Lopez, who was used as a substitute for Yamal against Real Sociedad.
However, this may not be the most ideal fit. Fermin played as a right winger in that match but struggled to adapt to the role.
Unlike Yamal, who has developed an excellent understanding with right-back Jules Kounde, Fermin did not seem comfortable in that position, often drifting inside rather than providing the width that Barcelona usually rely on from their wingers.
Dani Olmo on the wing
Dani Olmo can also play on the flanks. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Another possibility would be to adjust the attack by shifting Dani Olmo to the left wing. Olmo, who has experience playing in this role with the Spanish national team, could offer a solution.
This would allow Raphinha to take the right-wing position, where he is more comfortable.
Raphinha has always preferred playing on the right, but with the presence of Ousmane Dembele and Yamal blocking his path, this could be a chance for the Brazilian to shine.
Moving Olmo to the left would also allow him to use his playmaking skills to link up with the central attackers and contribute to the team’s attacking efforts.
Vice versa
Fermin Lopez and Olmo can alternate. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Alternatively, Flick could keep Olmo in a more central role, where he has been impressive this season. Olmo’s ability to link play and his vision in the middle of the park have been crucial for Barcelona’s offensive movement.
In this scenario, Fermin could be moved to the left-wing position. Although this is not Fermin’s most natural position, it could still provide some width for the team.
However, it is important to note that his best qualities are typically seen in a more central role, where he can influence the game from the inside.
Pau Victor
Pau Victor is the least favourable option. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The least likely option would be to start Pau Victor, who has seen limited playing time this season, having played just 142 minutes in the league across eight matches.
Although he has shown potential, giving him a starting role would be a risk, especially considering his lack of experience at the top level. However, he could potentially play on either side of the attack, offering a more dynamic option in the forward line.
In conclusion, with Yamal’s injury, Flick faces a challenging task in reshaping Barcelona’s attack for the upcoming matches. While there are several possible options, none are perfect replacements for the young winger.
With such a vital player missing, the team’s response in the coming games will be crucial to maintaining their strong position in both La Liga and the Champions League.
