Hansi Flick gives updates on Barcelona injury crisis: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski drama | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has given an update on the numerous injury issues facing his side, including controversy surrounding an injury to Robert Lewandowski. The good news for the Blaugrana is that Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez are once again fit to play.

That eases their injury woes, as Flick is set to be without Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, Raphinha and Dani Olmo for their Saturday game with Girona at Montjuic. Lopez and Lamine Yamal return to an attack that only includes Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji as fit options currently.

‘Lamine and Fermin can’t play 90 minutes’ – Flick

Ahead of that game with Girona, Flick told the press that while Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez were back from their groin and hamstring injuries respectively, they could not play the entire game this weekend.

“I can’t do anything. We have to find solutions. Lamine and Fermín are back, but they can’t play 90 minutes. If we play at a good level, we can beat anyone. The important thing is to start the game well. We have to play at our best, and that’s what I expect from the team.”

Meanwhile on Thursday there was a positive progress update on Raphinha. He too is suffering from a hamstring issue, and was expected to be back for Girona, but his goal is now to be back for El Clasico.

Image via FC Barcelona

“We hope he’s ready for the Clasico. That’s our plan. Sometimes there are problems with the recovery process, but he’s on the right track.”

Drama over Robert Lewandowski injury

Lewandowski is the latest to fall injured, and he is set to be out for a month. At Can Barca, they were reportedly frustrated after Lewandowski kept playing after feeling pain in his leg early on against Lithuania on Tuesday, before going on to complete the 90 minutes.

“Robert told me the same thing (as the coach). He felt fine and didn’t feel any pain. We already know that this is something that can happen with international breaks. It’s not easy for the players and it’s hurting us a lot. All the traveling they have to do, going to the Ballon d’Or gala… Raphinha is one of the most important players on the team and we miss him. He’ll be back soon. We have to manage everything well.”

Flick was pushed for further details on Lewandowski’s injury, after talk in the Catalan press that the veteran forward could have taken more care of his body in this situation.

“I don’t think there’s a player who takes better care of his body than Robert, and he told me he didn’t think he had an injury. He always takes great care of himself. There’s no one his age, maybe Ronaldo, who’s in such good shape. It’s bad for us, but we have to work on this.”

Barcelona’s selection conundrum in attack

It seems almost a given that Bardghji and Rashford will be in action against Girona from the start, but it will be interesting to see where they line up. It may open the door to some of Barcelona’s La Masia prospects.

“In attack, we’ve lost a lot of players in recent weeks. We have several options. There are players we’ll get back who might not be at the right level of fitness. There are players from La Masia who might be an option tomorrow.”