Lamine Yamal misses Barcelona training ahead of Sevilla clash

Barcelona returned to the Ciutat Esportiva on Thursday, but the session was notable for the absence of teenage winger Lamine Yamal. According to Diario Sport, the 16-year-old was kept indoors after waking up feeling unwell, although the club remain optimistic he will rejoin the group on Friday and be in contention for Sunday’s LaLiga meeting with Sevilla.

The timing is less than ideal for Hansi Flick, whose squad has openly acknowledged fatigue during a congested run of fixtures. With the Catalans preparing for a league clash against Sevilla followed by a decisive Champions League second-leg tie against Newcastle at Camp Nou, rotation appears inevitable.

Flick has been reluctant to leave Yamal out this season, yet the German coach may use the winger’s minor ailment as an opportunity to grant him a breather. That decision is complicated by the form struggles of key attackers Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, all of whom have laboured in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, off-pitch speculation continues to link Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez with a move to Barcelona, although the same reports suggest former striker David Trezeguet is pushing for the Argentine to remain in Madrid. For now, Flick’s immediate priority is balancing rest and results as he finalises his XI for Sunday’s visit to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.