Barcelona faced a major setback today with the confirmation that star forward Lamine Yamal will be out for three to four weeks due to an ankle injury.
The 17-year-old talent sustained the injury during Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to Leganes on Sunday, and today's scans revealed that the injury is worse than initially expected.
5 Strong Options for Hansi Flick to Replace Injured Lamine Yamal at Barcelona
- Ferran Torres
The most straightforward choice for Flick is Ferran Torres. Although Torres has played as a striker or on the left wing, his natural position is as a right-winger. The former Manchester City star, who began his career at Valencia as a right-winger, has the ability to destabilize opposition defenses with his movement and can score goals, as shown in recent matches. Torres has been in good form, scoring against Mallorca, Real Betis, and Borussia Dortmund since his return from injury.
- Raphinha
Another potential option for Flick is to shift Raphinha, who has adapted well to playing on the left wing this season, to his natural position on the right. This is a strategy that Flick employed earlier in the season when Yamal was sidelined with an ankle injury, and he may consider repeating it. However, it's important to note that Raphinha is currently enjoying the best season of his career while playing on the left, making any position change a risky move.
- Pau Victor
Pau Victor, one of Barcelona’s standout players during the preseason, could be an interesting option. Although he has found it difficult to get regular minutes this season, the 23-year-old has made the most of his opportunities, scoring twice in La Liga at a rate of one goal every 94 minutes and providing an assist. Victor has shown he can be effective when called upon and could be used on the right wing.
- Dani Olmo
While Dani Olmo is not a natural right-winger, he has played in this position throughout his career, both at previous clubs and with the Spanish national team. Although Flick has yet to use him on the right, Olmo has been impressive in the number 10 role. Moving him from this position might not be ideal, as he has been thriving as a creative playmaker.
- Dani Rodríguez
One of La Masia’s promising talents, Dani Rodríguez, has demonstrated that he is ready for the first team. The 19-year-old winger has scored three goals and provided one assist in three games since returning from a lengthy injury layoff. Known for his aggressive one-on-one play, Rodríguez could be an exciting option to replace Yamal, even though Flick has not yet called him up for first-team training.
Barcelona faces significant challenges following Lamine Yamal's injury, but with these available options, it seems Flick has several solutions to navigate this setback in the upcoming matches.
