Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona, Barca - LaLiga EA Sports MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona in action during to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Rayo Vallecano and FC Barcelona at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on August 31, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Photo by Francisco Macia/Photo Players Images/Magara Press Madrid Campo de futbol de Vallecas Madrid Spain Copyright: xFranciscoxMaciax

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Barcelona Manager Hansi Flick Provides Injury Update on Lamine Yamal After Ballon d’Or Snub

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has offered a positive injury update on teenage star Lamine Yamal. The Spanish winger is nearing a return from a groin injury just days after finishing runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or race. Notably, the 18-year-old became the first player to win the Kopa Trophy twice on Monday.

However, the Barcelona star has been sidelined for the last three matches. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick revealed in a press conference that Lamine Yamal is likely to join full training this week. Flick said that Thursday’s La Liga clash with Real Oviedo will come too soon for the youngster. But there is optimism Yamal could be available for Sunday’s home tie against Real Sociedad.

Not Winning Ballon d’Or Is Only More Motivation for Yamal: Flick

Lamine Yamal enjoyed a remarkable 2024-25 season, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists as Barcelona won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. His dazzling form earned him second place in Ballon d’Or voting behind PSG’s Ousmane Dembele.

Lamine Yamal congratulates Dembélé. Respect 🤝❤️ pic.twitter.com/OXd7IPCVdW
— 433 (@433) September 22, 2025

Also Read: Ousmane Dembele Crowned Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Winner

While Barça are keen not to rush him back, Flick and his staff are targeting full fitness ahead of next week’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Yamal’s creativity and flair could prove decisive in the crucial clash against the European champions.

“Lamine trained well yesterday and today, so now he’s close to returning on the pitch soon,” Flick confirmed. “Not winning the Ballon d’Or this year is only more motivation for him. He’ll have his chances to win it in the future,” Flick said.

🚨🎙️| Hansi Flick: “Lamine Yamal's return is CLOSE. He's in a good shape.” #fcblive pic.twitter.com/1KKKWxtGps
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) September 24, 2025

The French side kicked off their campaign in style with a dominant 4-0 victory over Atalanta, netting twice in each half despite being without Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele.

Also Read: ‘Biggest Moral Damage’ – Lamine Yamal Father Snaps Back After Son Gets Snubbed of Ballon d’Or 2025 Award

Barcelona, meanwhile, answered with a 2-1 win away at Newcastle United, where Marcus Rashford stole the spotlight with a decisive brace. For now, Rashford is expected to continue in the frontline, with Raphinha switching flanks, but the return of their Ballon d’Or runner-up is edging closer for Barcelona.

Barcelona

Hansi Flick

La Liga

Yamine Lamal

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.