BARCELONA — FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick delivered an overwhelmingly reassuring press conference on Saturday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, confirming that 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal is completely fit to lead the Blaugrana this week.
Yamal had been substituted as a precautionary measure during Spain’s victory over Denmark last weekend with muscle overload, returning early to Catalonia for diagnostic scans. The medical evaluation showed no hamstring tears, and the winger completed full tactical training alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha on Friday and Saturday morning.
"Lamine is in great shape," Flick stated with a broad smile. "The Spanish medical team handled his situation intelligently and with immense care. He trained at 100% intensity today without any restrictions. He is completely available and full of joy to play."
Flick also addressed the status of Polish international goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, who signed with Barcelona earlier this month to replace injured captain Marc-André ter Stegen: "Tek has worked tirelessly over the past two weeks. His physical benchmarks are excellent, and his leadership around the young squad is invaluable. He is part of our matchday squad and fully ready to step onto the pitch."
Flick additionally confirmed that Spanish midfield prodigy Gavi is poised to make his long-awaited emotional return to the matchday squad after 11 months of rigorous rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Barcelona currently hold a three-point lead at the pinnacle of La Liga. With Sevilla visiting the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday followed by a colossal UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, having Yamal, Gavi, and Szczęsny primed is the ultimate injection of momentum.