Barcelona superstar ‘OK’ for derby vs Espanyol after minor scare in training | OneFootball

FC Barcelona lock horns with RCD Espanyol later today at the Spotify Camp Nou in La Liga, aiming to take a step closer to lifting the title.

Leading up to the game, the Catalans have received a major boost with Frenkie de Jong returning to full fitness and expected to be available for the game.

However, Raphinha and Marc Bernal remain unavailable, along with Andreas Christensen.

In addition to that, they were handed a scare with one of their main players during training on Friday.

Lamine Yamal ‘OK’ after discomfort

Indeed, according to SPORT, Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal caused a small scare during yesterday’s training session after feeling slight discomfort that forced him to leave early as a precaution.

However, after being checked by the club’s medical staff and examined by Dr Ricard Pruna, the outcome was completely reassuring. The teenage winger is not injured. It was only a minor overload, something quite common at this stage of the season.

Lamine Yamal ‘OK’ to face Espanyol. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Within Barcelona, the situation is being treated as a simple anecdote with no further consequences. Lamine is in perfect condition and will be included in the squad for today’s match against Espanyol.

The only recommendation given was to rest for the remainder of the day to ease the minor discomfort.

With the demanding clash against Atletico Madrid coming up on Tuesday, the possibility of resting him is not ruled out, although the final decision will be made this morning. Hansi Flick will decide whether he starts or not.

Roony Bardghji could be an alternative in the lineup if the manager opts to give the 18-year-old La Masia graduate a breather.

Rotations expected

Barcelona could field a lineup with several changes today, with one eye on the UEFA Champions League encounter against Atletico Madrid next week, where they need to mount a comeback.

Gavi may return to the starting XI after a very long time, considering De Jong is only returning from an injury, and Pedri was substituted with discomfort in the last game against Atleti.

Meanwhile, Bardghji could get his chance if Lamine is rested. Alejandro Balde is also in line to get a run out at left-back with Joao Cancelo likely to be given a breather.