Lamine Yamal set to miss Barcelona’s next three games, targeting full fitness for PSG | OneFootball

In a major blow for FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal is set to miss their upcoming three matches across all competitions, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Indeed, the 18-year-old wonderkid is definitely ruled out of Thursday’s UEFA Champions League opener against Newcastle United and is a serious doubt for the subsequent La Liga clashes vs Getafe and Real Oviedo.

Why is Lamine Yamal out?

Lamine Yamal has been dealing with pubic discomfort, which he exacerbated while on national team duty with Spain earlier this month.

As per the report, the discomfort had first appeared during the match against Levante, and the pain worsened after the game against Rayo Vallecano.

It led to him missing the game against Valencia this past weekend, and his availability for the trip to England was always a doubt.

Big blow for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Now, though, it has been confirmed that the 18-year-old Ballon d’Or candidate will certainly miss the Newcastle clash and is unlikely to make it back for the games against Getafe and Oviedo as well.

No risks will be taken

Given the nature of his injury and the high risk of relapse that it carries, Barcelona will not take any risks with Lamine.

As such, the most realistic scenario for the youngster is a return with limited minutes against Real Sociedad on 28 September – the date earmarked for Barça’s return to Camp Nou.

However, the clear objective is for Lamine to be fully fit for the showdown with PSG on 1 October in the Champions League.

For now, the Spanish winger will continue daily physiotherapy and tailored treatment sessions to accelerate recovery.

In his absence, Hansi Flick can count on Raphinha as an option on the right wing, while new signing Roony Bardghji is also a contender.