"That's all we have before that game" - Hansi Flick confirms return date for Barcelona star Lamine Yamal

Hansi Flick has confirmed that Lamine Yamal is expected to return for Barcelona during their Supercopa de Espana semifinal clash against Athletic Club on Wednesday, January 8. Yamal suffered a knee injury during La Blaugrana's 1-0 loss to Leganes in December.

Playing their first match in 2025, Barcelona defeated Barbastro 4-0 in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey on Saturday, January 4. After the win, Hansi Flick stated that Lamine Yamal could return for La Blaugrana's next match. He said in the post-match press conference (via GOAL):

"We travel on Monday, we train on Monday in Barcelona and on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. That's all we have before that game. I think Lamine (Yamal) could be in the game against Athletic."

The 17-year-old missed two matches for La Blaugrana. After suffering the injury, he went to the United Arab Emirates with his brother and a friend to relax and recover.

Lamine Yamal's return would provide a boost to Hansi Flick's side, who'll face Athletic Club in Saudi Arabia. After their Supercopa de Espana semifinal game, they will return to Spain to face Getafe in an away fixture on Saturday, January 18.

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Hansi Flick urges Barcelona board to sign an attacker in winter: Reports

Hansi Flick has requested the Barcelona board to sign a new attacker in the January transfer window, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (via Barca Universal). La Blaugrana are undergoing a financial crisis, due to which they failed to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the second half of the 2024-25 season.

Despite all the financial struggles, the German tactician is keen to sign a forward, who can consistently score goals and create chances for the La Liga giants. Flick is convinced that adding an attacker who can perform under pressure would help La Blaugrana gain the top spot in the league table again.

After getting a brilliant start to the season with wins over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, La Blaugrana have failed to perform consistently. Hansi Flick's side lacks a consistent and reliable striker, which has become a recurring issue. Currently third in the La Liga with 38 points in 19 matches, they have won only one of their last five league matches.