Barcelona handed injury boost as key player likely to be fit for Spanish Super Cup fixture: Reports

Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal is reportedly recovering well from his ankle injury. The Spaniard could reportedly be available for the Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup) semifinal in January.

Earlier this month, Lamine Yamal injured his right ankle during Barcelona's 1-0 LaLiga loss to Leganes on December 15. Subsequent tests revealed that the 17-year-old had suffered a Grade 1 injury to his anterior tibiofibular ligament. Yamal is expected to be unavailable for 3-4 weeks.

According to the Spanish outlet MARCA, Lamine Yamal's recovery is on track and the forward is likely to be fit for the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Athletic Club on January 8. Yamal has reportedly worked hard on his recovery but the club will only play him if he feels 100% fit, per the report.

The report further suggests that Lamine Yamal is set to begin training with his teammates soon. However, coach Hansi Flick will take the final call on whether the La Masia graduate will be included in the squad for the Supecopa de Espana. The German tactician wants to avoid taking any risks with the teenager.

However, Yamal's availability for the Spanish Super Cup will be crucial as the season's first silverware is on the line for Barcelona. The Spain international is considered one of the most important players for the Catalan side. He has contributed six goals and 12 assists in 21 outings across competitions this season.

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"It's a much more specific injury" - Football specialist surgeon Dr. Ripoll on Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal's ankle injury

Lamine Yamal - Source: Getty

In an interview with the Spanish network Cadena SER, Dr. Ripoll, a surgeon specializing in football, shared a worrying update on Lamine Yamal's ankle injury. The surgeon said (via GOAL):

"It's not a typical sprain, it's a much more specific injury, a slight tear of the membrane that joins the tibia to the fibula, which is known as syndesmosis. The prognosis is much more uncertain.

"He has played 80 percent of the games and last year he reached 91%. [Barcelona] will do well to let him heal completely and without any rush. A diastasis can occur, which is the separation of the tibia and fibula due to the lack of this membrane, leaving the ankle in a very unstable state."

The club may consider treading with caution when it comes to Lamine Yamal as he's often considered one of the Catalan side's most promising talents. The Spaniard has dominated the award season this year, winning the Kopa Trophy, the Golden Boy Award, and the Best Emerging Player at the Globe Soccer Awards.