Barcelona worried over Lamine Yamal fitness after heroic display against Espanyol

Barcelona are monitoring Lamine Yamal closely after it emerged the teenager played through pain during their 4-1 win over Espanyol at the weekend.

Despite discomfort before kick-off, the 18-year-old still produced a match-winning performance, scoring and assisting to drag his team back on track ahead of a vital Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Reporter Toni Juanmarti revealed that Yamal had been managing discomfort in the build-up to the derby but insisted on featuring, knowing how important the game was for Barça’s momentum. The decision paid off on the night but has added to concern inside the club about his workload.

Hansi Flick made five changes between fixtures, yet Yamal, Gerard Martin, Eric Garcia and Pedri Gonzalez all started and logged heavy minutes. Martin went off at half-time with ankle pain but is still expected to be available for Tuesday’s clash.

Even with the fitness worries, there is optimism that Yamal will be ready to start away to Atletico, where Barcelona must overturn a two-goal deficit. The bigger headache may be in midfield and defence, with Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal only just returning from injury and Pau Cubarsí suspended, forcing more tactical reshuffling from Flick.