Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is a doubt for the Champions League game at Newcastle United – and his manager Hansi Flick has criticised Spain’s treatment of the 18-year-old.
Yamal played for his country in a 3-0 win in Bulgaria and 6-0 victory in Turkey during the recent international break.
The forward did not take part in Barcelona’s first-team training on Saturday because of a groin injury, and has been ruled out of Sunday’s league game against Valencia before the visit to Newcastle on Thursday.
“Lamine will not be available [against Valencia] – it’s a pity,” said Flick. “He played with the national team despite pain.
“He had problems, played 79 and 73 minutes, and didn’t even train between matches because of this pain. That is not really taking care of the players, is it? It is not.
“Spain, they have the best team in the world, best players in the world. In every position they are unbelievably good.
“So, maybe they will also want to take care of our players, our young players, but it’s like they are doing this [to them]. This is what I can say and I’m really sad about this.”
Barcelona’s press officer later said Yamal had “discomfort in his pubic bone” and “is doubtful for Newcastle”.
Flick, who was previously Germany manager, said he had contacted Spain coach Luis de la Fuente by text message but there was room for improvement in their communication.
