Injured Barcelona superstar ruled out vs Girona; key duo also doubts – report | OneFootball

The week before the international break got underway was one to forget for FC Barcelona as they first lost to PSG 1-2 at home before succumbing to a heavy 1-4 defeat to Sevilla.

In between that, the Blaugrana also saw Lamine Yamal suffer a recurrence of the pubic discomfort that had already forced him to miss four games, with the teenage superstar not making the trip to Seville and withdrawing from the Spain squad for the current break.

Expectation, though, was that Lamine could return right after the international break and get some minutes against Girona, so that he could build some rhythm heading into the first El Clasico of the season.

Lamine Yamal out of Girona clash

However, according to a new update from Mundo Deportivo, Lamine is a definite absentee for Barcelona against Girona and will not return for the derby.

This will come as a bitter blow for Barça, considering how important a player the teenage winger is for Hansi Flick.

The Catalans did win each of their four matches in September when Lamine was injured and unavailable, but the squad is even more thinly stretched at this point due to mounting injury problems, leaving Flick in a difficult position.

Fermin, Raphinha also doubts

Raphinha and Fermin doubts for Girona clash. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

After all, according to the report, both Fermin Lopez and Raphinha are also doubts for the match against Girona.

Fermin is in the final phase of his recovery from a muscle injury he sustained against Getafe and has begun individual training with the ball in recent days. However, his return for the upcoming weekend appears unlikely at this point.

As for Raphinha, who suffered a thigh injury against Real Oviedo, still needs time to make a full recovery. The Brazilian winger’s recovery period is expected to end mid-next week, putting his availability vs Girona in doubt.

Flick running out of options

With Dani Olmo suffering a calf injury while away with Spain this week and Gavi also unavailable, Flick is running out of options in the No. 10 role.

Youngster Pedro Fernandez ‘Dro’ could be in a position to start in the Catalan derby vs Girona on 18 October, while there could also be minutes for young Toni Fernandez.

The Barcelona manager can also opt to deploy Pedri in an advanced role or go for left-of-field choices such as Ferran Torres or Marcus Rashford operating behind the main striker.