Manager accepts the winger’s form has dipped but sees no reason for concern
Lamine Yamal is still struggling with some groin pain even though he is making steady progress in his recovery, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has said.
The 18-year-old has missed seven matches this season with an inflammation around the groin. He returned to action this month and has featured in Barcelona’s last three games, although he struggled to make an impact in the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the clásico last weekend, where he was largely kept quiet by Los Blancos’ defence.
“Lamine is good,” Flick said. “I just spoke with him. He’s doing good. Of course he has some days where he maybe feels some pain, but he really works hard; he improves a lot about these things. I think he’s on a good evolution, so this is what we can say.”
Flick said he knows Yamal’s form has dipped compared to last season, but said he sees no reason for concern.
“At the moment, the best way to come back to his best level is to play in the position he normally plays, where he has his strengths and can give his best for the team,” said Flick.
“Of course, in some situations, some matches, it is also good when not only playing outside, but also inside in the half space. He’s able to manage everything.”
