Lamine Yamal eyeing return for Celtic clash

The Barça forward still feels some discomfort in his right ankle, but continues to work around the clock so that he can pass the medical examination within nine days.

Lamine Yamal's condition is currently the focus of all attention at 'Can Barça'. His two absences in LaLiga (Osasuna and Real Sociedad) ended with two defeats for the Blaugranas, so his recovery has practically become a matter of state, with the match against Celta in Vigo, in nine days, looming.

The teenage striker suffered a blow to his right ankle during the 2-5 Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade on November 6 – the second time he has been placed low this season.

Yamal could start on the bench in Vigo

Fortunately, AS USA can confirm that his rehabilitation is going well, to the point that his right ankle no longer hurts when he uses a protective bandage. Without the bandage he continues to experience mild discomfort, especially around the fibula. Only next week, when he is tested in training, can a real forecast be made on his chances of returning for the next match – Saturday against Celta in Balaídos.

As things stand, the roadmap would be to give him the all-clear next week so that he can travel to Vigo but start the match on the bench, with the possibility of playing the last 20 to 25 minutes.

Other injured players are in better shape than Yamal to return against Celta. Robert Lewandowski, Eric Garcia and Hector Fort will all be fully fit and available for Flick. The Pole, who is suffering from lower back problems, is expected to return to training mid-week, while Eric is already in the final stages of his right adductor injury, as is Fort, who is experiencing problems with the base of his spine.

Ferran Torres will have to wait a few more days as he is still recovering from a tear in his right hamstring, which he sustained in the match against Alavés five weeks ago. Everything indicates that he will be available for the Champions League match against Brest or the next one, against Las Palmas in LaLiga, completing the predicted month and a half absence.

We'll have to wait a little longer to see the rest of the injured players: Ronald Araújo and Ansu Fati are expected to return next, both in December, while Andreas Christensen won't return until January. Both Ter Stegen and Marc Bernal remain out and will not return until next season.