Barcelona receive injury boost as Lamine Yamal returns ahead of Girona clash

Injury-hit Barcelona are set to welcome back teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for their La Liga clash against Girona on Saturday, offering a much-needed boost as the Catalans seek redemption from their 4-1 loss to Sevilla before the international break.

Coach Hansi Flick’s side must regroup quickly with the highly anticipated El Clasico against Real Madrid approaching on October 26.

Midfielder Pedri Gonzalez described the Sevilla loss as the team’s worst performance under Flick, and the situation worsened as Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo both sustained injuries.

However, Yamal and Fermin Lopez have returned to training and are expected to be fit for the weekend, while Raphinha is also close to making a comeback. The 17-year-old Yamal missed both the Sevilla defeat and Spain’s World Cup qualifiers due to a groin injury but is likely to feature in the Catalan derby.

His return comes at a crucial time, with Barcelona facing a congested fixture list, including a Champions League match against Olympiacos on Tuesday before the showdown with Real Madrid.

Long-term absentees Joan Garcia, Gavi, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain sidelined, leaving Flick with limited options. Despite the recent setback, the German coach urged calm and focus. “It’s one match and we lost it, and we have to keep going on,” he said, praising his team’s second-half fightback.

The defeat was Barcelona’s first of the season, leaving them two points behind league leaders Real Madrid. Flick, who previously warned his players that “ego kills success,” hopes to prevent another mid-season slump similar to last year when Barca’s form dipped after a strong start.

Saturday’s game, hosted at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc hill due to ongoing Camp Nou renovations, presents a chance for Barcelona to regain momentum against 18th-placed Girona. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who extended his contract until 2029 this week, expressed eagerness to return to Camp Nou once completed. “I’m really looking forward to going back to Camp Nou, with all our fans,” he said.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid visit Getafe on Sunday, with fans hoping star striker Kylian Mbappe will recover from an ankle injury in time to play. Villarreal host Real Betis, and Atletico Madrid face Osasuna, while Getafe’s Luis Milla remains one to watch, having registered five assists so far — the highest in La Liga.