Barcelona Makes It Clear: Lamine Yamal Needs More Time on the Bench

FC Barcelona has decided to carefully manage Lamine Yamal’s playing time to prevent injury relapses and support his recovery. The young talent is not yet at full strength due to a persistent pubalgia that has affected his form for several weeks.

A Talent Still Struggling to Reach Full Fitness

Despite showing improvement against Elche, Lamine has yet to regain the explosiveness and dynamism that distinguished him as one of the team's most disruptive players. After that match, coach Hansi Flick stated:

“We have to manage his injury. I can’t say it’s over.”

Lamine scored a goal and displayed moments of quality but was substituted before the match ended. The player wished to continue, but the coaching staff prioritized caution to avoid risking his health.

Barcelona’s Strategy: Protection Through Managed Playing Time

The club’s approach is not about limiting Lamine's involvement as a punishment, but about careful prevention. Last season, he featured in 58 out of 62 games, which is a heavy load for an 18-year-old. Now, the plan is to reduce his minutes in matches to prevent any setbacks and maintain his fitness for the entire season.

He has only completed one full game in the last four matches, the El Clásico at the Bernabéu.
In matches against Girona, Olympiacos, and Elche, he was substituted before full time.
Sources indicate this pattern of managed playing time will continue in the coming weeks.

Barcelona prioritizes Lamine Yamal's long-term development over immediate utilization, balancing his talent with injury prevention.

Author’s summary: Barcelona is carefully limiting Lamine Yamal’s minutes to protect him from re-injury, ensuring a steady recovery while preserving his potential for the season ahead.

beIN SPORTS — 2025-11-04