HE WAS GIVEN PAINKILLERS TO PLAY — BARCA’S FLICK SLAMS SPAIN OVER YAMAL INJURY

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has criticised the Spanish national team after Lamine Yamal was ruled out of Sunday’s La Liga clash against Valencia due to a groin problem.

The 18-year-old winger, who also remains doubtful for Thursday’s Champions League tie against Newcastle, did not train with the Spanish champions. He had featured in Spain’s 2026 World Cup qualifying wins against Bulgaria and Turkey last week.

“He will not be available — for me it’s a pity. He went to the national team with pain, he did not train, he got painkillers for playing.

“In every match they were three goals (or more) ahead, he played 79 and 73 minutes. Between the matches he didn’t train. This is not taking care about players.

“Spain have best team in the world best players in the world. In every position they are unbelievably good. Maybe also when we want to take care of players, young players, it’s like that, doing this… I’m really sad about this,” Flick said at a news conference on Saturday.

The Barcelona coach noted he had exchanged brief text messages with Spain boss Luis de la Fuente but admitted communication could be improved.

“Maybe it’s all about my Spanish not (being) good, his English not good. Communication… there could be better,” said Flick, who previously managed Germany.

“I was also on this side, (coaching a) national team, and I know how hard this job can be, but the communication with the clubs was always good.”

Flick also confirmed Frenkie de Jong will miss the Valencia game, while Marc Bernal is set to return after recovering from a knee injury sustained nine months ago.

Barcelona will host Valencia at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium, as the Spotify Camp Nou is still undergoing renovations.

“I spoke with the players, the captains, and they said it will not affect us.

“When we play at the new Camp Nou, 105,000 (capacity), maybe it’s a little bit different to playing at the Johan.

“As I said before it’s not an excuse, I will not use it, Valencia also has to play in this stadium,” Flick added.