Hansi Flick hopes Lamine Yamal can play for Barcelona in opposition to Atletico Madrid within the Copa del Rey on Tuesday (8.30pm GMT) regardless of the playmaker struggling a ugly foot harm throughout their 2-0 win at Las Palmas in LaLiga on Saturday.
Spain sensation Yamal has not skilled with Barca however might characteristic when the Spanish leaders host opponents a degree behind them within the desk within the first leg of the semi-finals.
“I believe he’ll be capable to play,” mentioned Flick, who acquired a guard of honour from his gamers at coaching on Monday to have a good time his sixtieth birthday earlier than being named LaLiga supervisor of the month for February later within the day.
“I’m optimistic, however we’ll should see what the physician says. We are able to’t say that Lamine or sure gamers ought to be specifically protected [from dangerous fouls] – it ought to be for everybody.”
Displaying the love for birthday boy, Hansi Flick! 😍 pic.twitter.com/n6ioxOk55F
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 24, 2025
Lamine Yamal harm
Yamal shared a photograph of his bloodied foot on social media after the win over Las Palmas, including the ironic caption: “Not a foul”.
Defender Alex Munoz appeared to step on Yamal’s foot in the course of the second-half incident, however referee Cordero Vega didn’t cease play.
“If [perpetrators] don’t get yellow playing cards, exhausting fouls will probably be repeated,” warned Flick, through Mundo Deportivo. “We should always defend [players] – that’s probably the most wise factor to do.
“In Spain, all of us wish to see one-on-one conditions, to see gamers who’re able to getting previous the defenders. We have now to guard them.”
Make a want, Hansi! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/0FRY2loYPo
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 24, 2025
Dani Olmo ‘can play’
Yamal arrange the opener at Las Palmas for Dani Olmo, whose availability saga has resurfaced once more due to an try by LaLiga president Javier Tebas to have the midfielder’s registration cancelled.
Barcelona weren’t allowed to register Olmo earlier this season due to monetary guidelines however had been granted an injunction in January to take action for the Spain worldwide and Pau Victor, with a remaining choice due from the Consejo Superior de Deportes.
“I don’t need to say something,” mentioned Flick, who gained the managerial honour after guiding the membership again to the highest of the desk.
“For me, what issues is that he can play now, and I’m comfortable about that. I don’t know what’s going to occur. I’m shocked by the issues that occur on the membership, however I’m very comfortable to be right here.”
Barcelona shared a photograph of Flick shimmying between his gamers to have a good time his birthday, describing them as “exhibiting the love for the birthday boy”.
