Barcelona face Lamine Yamal doubt before Valencia clash as Hansi Flick considers changes

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has left Lamine Yamal’s involvement against Valencia uncertain after the forward missed the final team training session and worked separately from the squad.

The teenager was among the players who did not train with the main group before the trip to Mestalla, despite 23 players taking part in the session. Gavi, Gabriel Jesus and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic were all involved.

Flick said Yamal had taken a knock recently and that the coaching staff had therefore decided to manage his workload away from the rest of the squad. The Barcelona manager confirmed the 18-year-old would travel to Valencia, but a final decision on whether he starts or is rested will be made later.

“Lamine wants to play and does not like training alone,” Flick said. “He is in a good condition in terms of his performance, mentality and morale.” The German also praised Yamal for his display in Barcelona’s previous match.

Flick added that playing could be better for Yamal than training, although he stressed that the club still had to wait before deciding whether the forward would be included in the starting line-up.

The situation has created an unexpected selection problem for Flick, with Yamal also being considered as one of Barcelona’s potential future captains. Sport reported that he is expected to feature in the demanding Mestalla fixture, but will be given particularly close attention because of the conditions.

Temperatures in Valencia are forecast to be about 34C at kick-off. Sport described the timing of the match as a significant issue for both teams, saying it was “a very bad idea” to schedule the game during the hottest part of the day while summer is still at its peak.

Barcelona have taken 24 players to Valencia, with Flick including every available member of his squad. That means one player will have to be left out before kick-off and watch the match from the stands.

It is the first time this season Flick has faced that decision. Gavi has returned from injury, while the availability of Gabriel Jesus has also increased the number of options at his disposal.

The trip also marks the first time Livakovic has been included in a Barcelona squad. The Croatia goalkeeper is expected to be second choice in the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy.

Flick is expected to make several changes as Barcelona begin a demanding week that includes their Champions League opener against Feyenoord. Sport said the manager would rely on squad players during the run of fixtures, while stressing that the Valencia match remains significant.

Barcelona have the opportunity to establish an early three-point advantage over Real Madrid after their rivals stumbled at Benito Villamarin. Victory at Mestalla would see Flick’s side finish the fourth round of league matches as sole leaders.

Sport also identified maintaining Barcelona’s strong start as the priority. The club have impressed since the beginning of the season, and continuing that progress will be particularly important as domestic and European commitments begin to intensify.