Lamine Yamal misses Barcelona training ahead of Valencia test

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal was absent from the club’s final group training session before Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Valencia at Mestalla, raising questions for manager Hansi Flick ahead of the fixture.

The 17-year-old, who wears the number 10 shirt for the Catalan club, did not take part in the session alongside his available team-mates. Instead, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Yamal remained inside the gym at Barcelona’s training complex while the rest of the squad worked under Flick.

Yamal’s absence comes just days after he produced an outstanding display in Barcelona’s league match against Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou on Monday. The forward scored two impressive goals in that game and played a significant role in his side’s performance.

Barcelona travel to Valencia with the opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the La Liga table. Their advantage was improved by Real Madrid’s defeat by Real Betis, meaning a victory at Mestalla would allow Flick’s side to further consolidate their place as outright leaders.

Flick is due to face the media at a news conference on Saturday afternoon, when he is expected to discuss the upcoming match and provide further information about Yamal’s absence from the final collective training session.

At present, the circumstances surrounding the player’s non-participation have not been detailed. His decision to remain in the gym, rather than join the rest of the available squad on the training pitch, will therefore be a key point of interest before Barcelona’s meeting with Valencia.

Yamal has been one of Barcelona’s most prominent attacking players, and his contribution against Rayo Vallecano made his absence particularly notable. The club will now await Flick’s comments before assessing the situation ahead of Sunday’s match.

The timing of the missed session has also placed additional focus on Barcelona’s preparations. With the side attempting to extend its lead at the top of the standings, the availability of the number 10 will be closely followed before the squad takes on Valencia at Mestalla.

Barcelona’s fixture provides them with the chance to respond positively to Real Madrid’s setback against Real Betis, but uncertainty over Yamal has added an unexpected concern to the build-up. Flick’s news conference should offer the first official indication of whether the forward’s absence from training will affect his involvement in the game.

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