FC Barcelona expects young talent Lamine Yamal to rejoin first-team training in early January 2025 following his recovery from an ankle injury.
The 19-year-old, who has Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean heritage, sustained his second ankle setback of the season in mid-December, sidelining him for the 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid.
Fortunately, La Liga’s winter break has provided valuable time for his rehabilitation.
Yamal missed Barcelona’s final training session of 2024 on Tuesday. However, reports from SPORT suggest he is likely to rejoin training on Wednesday, as Hansi Flick’s squad kicks off preparations for the new year.
While Yamal is expected to regain fitness in time for the Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro on January 4, the team may opt to rest him given their strong position as favourites in the fixture. This precautionary approach would allow him additional recovery time.
The Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club on January 8 in Saudi Arabia appears to be a more realistic target for Yamal’s return.
Should Barcelona advance, they would face either Real Madrid or Mallorca in the final, scheduled for January 12.
The upcoming fixtures mark a crucial period for Barcelona, and Yamal’s return could provide a significant boost as the team aims for success in multiple competitions.
