Hansi Flick rules out two players from Champions League clash with Brest

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde will remain absent against Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. With just one point from the two previous games, Flick will be looking for a response from his side without two of his first-choice players.

Balde's absence was felt on Saturday night as Gerard Martin struggled to deal with Iago Aspas and was sent off for Hector Fort at half-time as he risked being sent off for a second yellow card. Balde dropped out due to a muscle problem, but Flick will not endanger him on Tuesday.

“Of course I replaced him because Gerard was on yellow. Last week Balde had muscle problems and before the match he was the same and we thought he could play but that wasn't possible. Today he was better and he could be an option for other games, but not for tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal's ankle problem has forced him to leave both matches against Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad. He could return against Las Palmas in Montjuic on Saturday, although he noted the 17-year-old would not start.

“Lamine has a quality that allows him to control every ball, but also forces the opponent's line back. He creates a lot of fear. I think and hope that this is the last match he will miss, because today he was very good, but we will have to wait. I hope he is an option on Saturday, albeit from the bench, but we will see.”