Barcelona will be determined to start 2025 with a trophy as they aim for the Spanish Super Cup this week. They face Athletic Club in the first semi-final on Wednesday and the big doubt (apart from whether Dani Olmo and Pau Victor would be available) surrounds Lamine Yamal, who returns from an ankle injury.
Lamine Yamal has not played since Barcelona's defeat to Leganes in December, but he will make his return against Athletic, although it is unknown whether he can be a starter. According to MD, Hansi Flick has had his say on the matter. He also spoke about the possibility of having Olmo and Victor if his side reaches Sunday's final.
“I think (Lamine Yamal) trained three or four times. He's ready, he can play tomorrow. I don't think (Olmo and Victor) will be available tomorrow, but we'll wait and see. All we can do now is wait and see.”
Flick also gave his opinion on the semi-final itself and what he expects from Athletic.
“Playing against Athletic is always difficult. They are a very good team, they have very good players and a very good philosophy. It's a pleasure to watch them play. They have very fast players and they do things very well. It will be a very good match.”
There is no doubt that Lamine Yamal being fit enough to start would give Barcelona a better chance of progressing to the final as they have not won a match in which the 17-year-old has not started this season. However, it would be a risk to rush him back if he isn't ready.
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