Barcelona will be determined to start off 2025 with a trophy, as they go for the Spanish Super Cup this week. They face Athletic Club in Wednesday’s first semi-final, and the big doubt (aside from whether Dani Olmo and Pau Victor would be available) surrounds Lamine Yamal, who is returning from an ankle injury.
Lamine Yamal hasn’t played since Barcelona’s defeat to Leganes in December, but he will make his comeback against Athletic, although it is unknown whether he can be a starter. As per MD, Hansi Flick has had his say on the matter. He also spoke on the possibility of having Olmo and Victor if his side reach Sunday’s final.
“I think (Lamine Yamal) has trained three or four times. He’s ready, he can play tomorrow. I don’t think if (Olmo and Victor) will be available for tomorrow, but we’re going to wait. The only thing we can do right now is wait.”
Flick also gave his thoughts on the semi-final itself, and what he expects from Athletic.
“Playing against Athletic is always difficult. They are a very good team, they have very good players and a very good philosophy. It’s a pleasure to watch them play. They have very fast players and they do things very well. It will be a very good match.”
There is no doubt that Lamine Yamal being fit enough to start would give Barcelona a better chance of progressing to the final, given that they have not won a match this season in which the 17-year-old has not started. However, it would be a risk to rush him back if he isn’t ready.
