Ramadan presents a new challenge for Lamine Yamal, but Barcelona have a plan | OneFootball

The holy month of Ramadan has arrived, bringing with it a significant physical test for Barcelona’s young star, Lamine Yamal.

The 18-year-old winger, who is an undisputed starter in Hansi Flick’s system, observes the religious fasting period strictly.

While Yamal, who has recently shared a cryptic message on Instagram, managed his performance brilliantly last season, La Liga’s scheduling has dealt him a particularly difficult hand this year.

Barcelona’s next four league fixtures against Levante, Villarreal, Athletic Club, and Sevilla are all scheduled for 4:15 PM kick-offs.

Why this might be a problem

With the sun setting in Spain between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM during February and March, the Spanish international will be playing these matches during the most restrictive phase of his fast.

Yamal strictly follows the Ramadan fast. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

During the intense 90 minutes and the rigorous warm-ups, Yamal will be competing without a single drop of water or food in his system.

Playing high-intensity football in the mid-afternoon drastically increases the risk of dehydration, fatigue, cramps, and potential muscle injuries for a player who relies heavily on explosive sprints and dribbling.

Unlike evening kick-offs, such as the upcoming 9:00 PM Copa del Rey clash against Atlético Madrid, a 4:15 PM start offers no opportunity to break the fast before or during the game.

Barcelona’s plan

Fortunately, Barcelona’s medical and coaching staff have extensive experience supporting Muslim players, having previously managed similar situations with Ousmane Dembele, Franck Kessie, and Ansu Fati, reports Diario SPORT.

In close coordination with Yamal, the club have designed a highly tailored nutritional and hydration plan.

The strategy heavily focuses on nighttime planning, strategically distributing nutrient-dense meals throughout the non-sunlight hours.

Crucially, the medical staff ensures the winger undergoes deep, calculated hydration just before dawn.