"Hope they know what they're doing", "Risky business" - Fans react as Barcelona star returns to XI after injury absence for Athletic Club clash

Barcelona fans online were left concerned after Lamine Yamal returned to the starting XI for their Supercopa de Espana semi-final clash against Athletic Club on January 8. The 17-year-old was sidelined for 20 days owing to an ankle injury.

German tactician Hansi Flick seemingly opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Wojciech Szczesny guarding the goal. The backline features Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde. Pedri and Marc Casado form the double pivot. Raphinha, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal feature in the attacking line-up with Robert Lewandowski leading the front three as the sole striker.

Lamine Yamal had injured his right ankle during Barcelona's 1-0 loss to Leganes in LaLiga on December 15, missing two games for the Catalans. The Spaniard was estimated to be out for three to four weeks but returned quite early. Yamal's inclusion as a starter against Athletic Bilbao led to fans expressing their doubts online. One X user wrote:

"Yamal starting ALREADY? Oh boy I do hope they know what they're doing..."

"They wan use Yamal like soap," another fan jibed.

"Hansi Flick wants to see Yamal falling off the bone," a netizen remarked.

"WOW TWO HUGE CALLS BY FLICK, Lamine Yamal starts straight after his injury (risky business), and Szczesny STARTS ahead of Pena, the rest of the team picks itself tbh very happy to see Gavi in the '10', no Olmo or Victor on the bench in time, nothing but the win #ForcaBarca," another Culer commented.

Fans continued to express their doubts about Yamal's return being too soon:

"Yamal should have been on the bench," a fan opined.

"Rest this boy fgs. He’s just returning," another netizen added.

"Why are we starting lamine!?!?! Barca should be playing it safe and let him develop," a user wrote.

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"I will come back better than ever" - Barcelona star Lamine Yamal shares confident message amid injury recovery

Lamine Yamal - Source: Getty

In an interview via Barcelona's social media platforms, Lamine Yamal spoke about his ankle injury and promised to return stronger. The Spaniard said (via Sportstar):

"I am in a recovery process which I am very sure I will come back better from and with more determination. When you stop playing for a while, that’s when you realize your work, what you are doing, and I will come back better than ever."

Speaking further about his injury, the La Masia graduate said:

“I think it was just bad luck. In the end, it was from a hit I took on the ankle, but these things happen, it can happen to anyone."

Lamine Yamal has been one of Barcelona's most significant players this season, contributing six goals and 12 assists in 21 appearances across competitions. His return from injury is a significant boost for Barcelona, who will be desperate to win their first trophy of the season under Hansi Flick with the Supercopa de Espana.