Lamine Yamal travels with Barcelona squad but remains doubt for Valencia test

Barcelona have taken Lamine Yamal to Valencia for Sunday’s La Liga match, but the forward’s involvement remains uncertain after he trained separately from the rest of the squad before the game.

The 23 other players involved in the final session included Gavi, Gabriel Jesus and new goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, while Yamal worked away from the group in a surprise development on the eve of the fixture.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said Yamal had taken a knock recently and that the coaching staff had therefore decided not to risk him in full team training. However, the teenager will travel with the squad to Mestalla, with a final decision on whether he starts expected before kick-off.

“Lamine wants to play and he does not like training alone,” Flick said. “He is in a good condition in terms of his performances, mentality and morale.” The German manager also praised Yamal’s display in Barcelona’s previous match.

Flick added that playing could be more beneficial for Yamal than training, although he stressed that the club would wait before deciding whether to select him from the start or give him a rest.

The uncertainty comes at the beginning of a demanding week for Barcelona, who face Valencia before opening their Champions League campaign against Feyenoord. Flick is expected to make several changes as he manages his squad across the two matches.

Spanish newspaper Sport described Yamal’s situation as an unexpected complication for Flick. The winger, who has been included among the candidates for Barcelona’s captaincy, is set to face a demanding evening at Mestalla, where temperatures are expected to reach about 34C at kick-off.

“That represents an obstacle, naturally, for both teams, but it must be taken seriously,” Sport reported. “It is a very bad idea, while we are still at the height of summer, to schedule the match at the hottest part of the day.”

Flick has named all 24 available players in his travelling squad for the trip to Valencia. One player will be left out shortly before the match and will have to watch from the stands, making this the first time this season the manager has faced that selection issue.

The situation has arisen because Gavi has returned from injury and Gabriel Jesus is now available. The squad also includes Croatia goalkeeper Livakovic for the first time since joining Barcelona. He is expected to serve as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper.

Sport also reported that Flick will rotate his team during a week containing two important fixtures. Valencia remain a significant test in their own right, particularly because Barcelona can open up an early points advantage over Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s setback at Benito Villamarin has given Barcelona the opportunity to move three points clear of their major rivals for the first time this season. Victory at Mestalla would ensure Flick’s side finish the fourth round of matches as outright leaders.

Barcelona have made an impressive start to the campaign, and maintaining that level will be central to Flick’s plans. The manager must now balance the need to preserve Yamal’s fitness with the chance to strengthen Barcelona’s position at the top of La Liga before their European campaign begins.