Lamine Yamal boosts Barcelona as the teenage star returns from injury ahead of El Clasico, giving Hansi Flick’s side a timely lift after their Sevilla defeat

Lamine Yamal has handed Barcelona a huge lift ahead of next week’s El Clasico, with the teenage sensation set to return to action when the Catalan giants face Girona on Saturday.

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The 17-year-old winger, who missed the 4–1 defeat to Sevilla and Spain’s World Cup qualifiers due to a groin injury, has resumed full training and is expected to feature at the Olympic Stadium.

Yamal’s return comes at a crucial time for Hansi Flick’s side, who are eager to rebound from their first loss of the season.

Several key players remain unavailable — Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are still sidelined, while Raphinha continues his recovery.

Following the heavy defeat to Sevilla, midfielder Pedri González didn’t hold back, describing it as Barcelona’s “worst performance” under Flick. The manager, however, urged calm and focus, insisting that his team must quickly move on.

“It’s one match, and we lost it. We just have to keep going,” Flick said, highlighting his team’s improved second-half display despite their poor start.

The loss left Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by two points in the La Liga standings. With the El Clasico showdown looming on October 26, Flick will be desperate to restore confidence and momentum.

Long-term absentees Gavi, Joan García, and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen remain out of action, limiting Flick’s rotation options.

Yet Yamal’s pace, creativity, and flair could prove decisive as Barcelona prepare for a demanding week that also includes a Champions League clash with Olympiacos on Tuesday.

Also read: Robert Lewandowski Injury Puts El Clásico Appearance in Doubt

Yamal’s comeback not only strengthens Barcelona’s attack but also injects optimism into a squad seeking to reassert itself in the title race. For Flick, it’s a timely boost that could reignite belief just when the season’s biggest fixtures begin to unfold.