Lamine Yamal’s harm is a major blow for Barcelona, and the staff should handle with out him for his or her upcoming match towards Celta Vigo.
The younger ahead has been combating discomfort in his ankle, and the ache has not but subsided.
Attributable to this persistent challenge, it appears unlikely that he will likely be slot in time for Barcelona’s subsequent Champions League match towards Brest as properly.
The membership has made the cautious determination to not take any dangers with Yamal’s well being, opting to permit him to recuperate totally earlier than returning to motion.
This leaves Hansi Flick with the tough job of discovering an acceptable alternative for Yamal, who has been one of the crucial influential gamers for Barcelona this season.
His absence will likely be keenly felt, as Yamal has been a key participant in producing offensive play, contributing to each targets and assists. Nevertheless, Flick should now discover a solution to fill the hole left by the 17-year-old winger.
Fermin Lopez on the precise
Fermin Lopez might play on the precise wing. (Photograph by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Photographs)
With Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres additionally out injured, Flick’s choices are restricted. One potential resolution might be to proceed trusting Fermin Lopez, who was used as an alternative choice to Yamal towards Actual Sociedad.
Nevertheless, this is probably not probably the most splendid match. Fermin performed for granted winger in that match however struggled to adapt to the function.
Not like Yamal, who has developed a superb understanding with right-back Jules Kounde, Fermin didn’t appear comfy in that place, typically drifting inside moderately than offering the width that Barcelona often depend on from their wingers.
Dani Olmo on the wing
Dani Olmo may also play on the flanks. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photographs)
One other risk can be to regulate the assault by shifting Dani Olmo to the left wing. Olmo, who has expertise enjoying on this function with the Spanish nationwide staff, might supply an answer.
This may enable Raphinha to take the right-wing place, the place he’s extra comfy.
Raphinha has at all times most popular enjoying on the precise, however with the presence of Ousmane Dembele and Yamal blocking his path, this might be an opportunity for the Brazilian to shine.
Transferring Olmo to the left would additionally enable him to make use of his playmaking abilities to hyperlink up with the central attackers and contribute to the staff’s attacking efforts.
Vice versa
Fermin Lopez and Olmo can alternate. (Photograph by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Photographs)
Alternatively, Flick might preserve Olmo in a extra central function, the place he has been spectacular this season. Olmo’s potential to hyperlink play and his imaginative and prescient in the midst of the park have been essential for Barcelona’s offensive motion.
On this state of affairs, Fermin might be moved to the left-wing place. Though this isn’t Fermin’s most pure place, it might nonetheless present some width for the staff.
Nevertheless, you will need to observe that his greatest qualities are sometimes seen in a extra central function, the place he can affect the sport from the within.
Pau Victor
Pau Victor is the least beneficial choice. (Photograph by Eric Alonso/Getty Photographs)
The least doubtless choice can be to begin Pau Victor, who has seen restricted enjoying time this season, having performed simply 142 minutes within the league throughout eight matches.
Though he has proven potential, giving him a beginning function can be a danger, particularly contemplating his lack of expertise on the prime degree. Nevertheless, he might probably play on both facet of the assault, providing a extra dynamic choice within the ahead line.
In conclusion, with Yamal’s harm, Flick faces a difficult job in reshaping Barcelona’s assault for the upcoming matches. Whereas there are a number of doable choices, none are good replacements for the younger winger.
With such a significant participant lacking, the staff’s response within the coming video games will likely be essential to sustaining their robust place in each La Liga and the Champions League.