Next youngster up – that has been the attitude at Barcelona over the past year, and with Lamine Yamal out of action against Celta Vigo this weekend, it looks like Hansi Flick will follow that policy. The 17-year-old star is still recovering from an ankle injury and will miss the trip to Galicia.
As such, 19-year-old Unai Hernandez will receive the call from Flick. The 19-year-old forward has captained Barca Atletic on and off this season and trained with the seniors on Thursday, and will do so again on Friday, Sport says. There is a good chance that he will be called up for the trip to Celta. German talent Noah Darvich also trained with the first team and is in the running to do so.
Hernandez is generally deployed as a left winger, coming on the right, but can also play as a number 10, midfielder or even on the right. The teenager recently made his 50th appearance for Barca Atletic and has become an important part of the subsidiary squad. Hernandez has six goals and an assist in 13 appearances for Albert Sánchez's struggling side in the third tier.
Lamine Yamal is not the only absence for Barcelona, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres are also out due to injury. Up front this will likely mean a start for Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, but Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo and Pau Victor will all be battling for third up front. It gives Hernandez, a profile most similar to Olmo, who typically plays inside for Flick, a decent chance to see playing time.
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