Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, has expressed uncertainty over the availability of young winger Lamine Yamal for the upcoming La Liga match against Real Sociedad. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Flick noted that Yamal’s participation remains uncertain due to fatigue from a packed schedule in recent weeks.
The coach shared that Yamal did not participate in the full training session and instead focused on specific strength exercises indoors to aid his recovery. “He has played a lot of matches recently, so we are being cautious with him,” Flick explained. “We will assess his condition tomorrow to decide if he can start.”
On a positive note, playmaker Dani Olmo, who felt unwell overnight, appears likely to be fit for the match. Flick confirmed that Olmo had shown improvement by Saturday morning and only required minor medical treatments. “I think Dani will be ready for tomorrow,” said the coach.
Defender Pau Cubarsi is also expected to be available despite sustaining a facial injury during Barcelona’s Champions League victory against Red Star Belgrade earlier this week. Flick confirmed that Cubarsi completed the entire training session without issues.
Barcelona, currently leading La Liga by nine points over Real Madrid, heads into the weekend with significant confidence. However, discipline remains a priority for Flick, who referenced an incident involving French defender Jules Kounde, who was omitted from the starting lineup against Alaves in October for arriving late to a team meeting.
“It’s about respect for the team,” Flick emphasized. “If you arrive five minutes late, the others have to wait. That’s not my understanding of being respectful.”
Barcelona will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table as they face a challenging away game against Real Sociedad on Sunday.
