Big boost for Barcelona as star forward cleared to play against Girona | OneFootball

Once the international break concludes, Barcelona will have an uphill task against local rivals Girona next weekend.

The Catalans will have to bounce back from a two-game losing streak while having several key players out injured.

Indeed, the likes of Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo and Gavi have all been ruled out against Girona, which has already forced Hansi Flick to consider deploying Pedri as a number ten.

Lamine Yamal cleared to play vs Girona

However, in a major boost, it appears Lamine Yamal has been cleared fit to participate against Girona next weekend.

This is according to Diario AS, which suggests that the Spanish international will receive the medical clearance and is ready to feature against Girona.

Yamal is expected to play a few minutes against Girona next weekend. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

This is part of Hansi Flick’s plan to fast-track the recovery of Yamal and make him match-ready before the October 26 clash against Real Madrid.

However, the report adds that Yamal will only play a few minutes against Girona. He will then start against Olympiacos in the Champions League, but will not complete ninety minutes.

Hence, Yamal’s clearance won’t be completely Barcelona, as far as their chances against Girona are concerned, unless the Spaniard is fit enough to play at least 30 minutes.

Nevertheless, Barcelona’s main focus will be to get Yamal prepared for the Real Madrid clash.

As for the Girona game, the club will rely on the likes of Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford to deliver the goods in the final third, while Robert Lewandowski, too, will have a point to prove, having lost his importance in the team after a slow start to the new season.