Hansi Flick hopes Lamine Yamal can play for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday (8.30pm GMT) despite the playmaker suffering a gruesome foot injury during their 2-0 win at Las Palmas in LaLiga on Saturday.
Spain sensation Yamal has not trained with Barca but could feature when the Spanish leaders host opponents a point behind them in the table in the first leg of the semi-finals.
“I think he’ll be able to play,” said Flick, who received a guard of honour from his players at training on Monday to celebrate his 60th birthday before being named LaLiga manager of the month for February later in the day.
“I’m positive, but we’ll have to see what the doctor says. We can’t say that Lamine or certain players should be specially protected [from dangerous fouls] – it should be for everyone.”
Showing the love for birthday boy, Hansi Flick! 😍 pic.twitter.com/n6ioxOk55F
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 24, 2025
Lamine Yamal injury
Yamal shared a photo of his bloodied foot on social media after the win over Las Palmas, adding the ironic caption: “Not a foul”.
Defender Alex Munoz appeared to step on the foot during the second-half incident, but referee Cordero Vega did not stop play.
“If [perpetrators] don’t get yellow cards, hard fouls will be repeated,” warned Flick, via Mundo Deportivo. “We should protect [players] – that’s the most sensible thing to do.
“In Spain, we all like to see one-on-one situations, to see players who are capable of getting past the defenders. We have to protect them.”
Make a wish, Hansi! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/0FRY2loYPo
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 24, 2025
Dani Olmo ‘can play’
Yamal set up the opener at Las Palmas for Dani Olmo, whose availability saga has resurfaced again thanks to an attempt by LaLiga president Javier Tebas to have the midfielder’s registration cancelled.
Barcelona were not allowed to register Olmo earlier this season because of financial rules but were granted an injunction in January to register the Spain international and Pau Victor, with a final decision due from the Consejo Superior de Deportes.
“I don’t want to say anything,” said Flick, who won the managerial honour after guiding the club back to the top of the table.
“For me, what matters is that he can play now, and I’m happy about that. I don’t know what will happen. I’m surprised by the things that happen at the club, but I’m very happy to be here.”
Barcelona shared a photo of Flick shimmying between his players to celebrate his birthday, describing them as “showing the love for the birthday boy”.