Lamine Yamal’s harm is a major blow for Barcelona, and the workforce should handle with out him for his or her upcoming match towards Celta Vigo.
The younger ahead has been combating discomfort in his ankle, and the ache has not but subsided.
Attributable to this persistent situation, it appears unlikely that he will likely be slot in time for Barcelona’s subsequent Champions League match towards Brest as properly.
The membership has made the cautious determination to not take any dangers with Yamal’s well being, opting to permit him to get well totally earlier than returning to motion.
This leaves Hansi Flick with the troublesome process of discovering an acceptable substitute for Yamal, who has been some of the influential gamers for Barcelona this season.
His absence will likely be keenly felt, as Yamal has been a key participant in producing offensive play, contributing to each objectives and assists. Nevertheless, Flick should now discover a technique to fill the hole left by the 17-year-old winger.
Fermin Lopez on the appropriate
With Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres additionally out injured, Flick’s choices are restricted. One potential answer may very well be to proceed trusting Fermin Lopez, who was used as an alternative choice to Yamal towards Actual Sociedad.
Nevertheless, this will not be probably the most ideally suited match. Fermin performed without any consideration winger in that match however struggled to adapt to the function.
In contrast to Yamal, who has developed a superb understanding with right-back Jules Kounde, Fermin didn’t appear snug in that place, typically drifting inside fairly than offering the width that Barcelona often depend on from their wingers.
Dani Olmo on the wing
One other chance can be to regulate the assault by shifting Dani Olmo to the left wing. Olmo, who has expertise enjoying on this function with the Spanish nationwide workforce, might supply an answer.
This could permit Raphinha to take the right-wing place, the place he’s extra snug.
Raphinha has at all times most well-liked enjoying on the appropriate, however with the presence of Ousmane Dembele and Yamal blocking his path, this may very well be an opportunity for the Brazilian to shine.
Shifting Olmo to the left would additionally permit him to make use of his playmaking abilities to hyperlink up with the central attackers and contribute to the workforce’s attacking efforts.
Vice versa
Alternatively, Flick might hold Olmo in a extra central function, the place he has been spectacular this season. Olmo’s potential to hyperlink play and his imaginative and prescient in the midst of the park have been essential for Barcelona’s offensive motion.
On this state of affairs, Fermin may very well be moved to the left-wing place. Though this isn’t Fermin’s most pure place, it might nonetheless present some width for the workforce.
Nevertheless, you will need to notice that his greatest qualities are usually seen in a extra central function, the place he can affect the sport from the within.
Pau Victor
The least possible choice can be to begin Pau Victor, who has seen restricted enjoying time this season, having performed simply 142 minutes within the league throughout eight matches.
Though he has proven potential, giving him a beginning function can be a threat, particularly contemplating his lack of expertise on the prime stage. Nevertheless, he might probably play on both facet of the assault, providing a extra dynamic choice within the ahead line.
In conclusion, with Yamal’s harm, Flick faces a difficult process in reshaping Barcelona’s assault for the upcoming matches. Whereas there are a number of attainable choices, none are good replacements for the younger winger.
With such an important participant lacking, the workforce’s response within the coming video games will likely be essential to sustaining their robust place in each La Liga and the Champions League.