Hansi Flick makes prediction on Lamine Yamal’s injury comeback as FIFA World Cup looms - ‘He has to learn’

React to this story

Hansi Flick has confirmed that Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of Barcelona’s La Liga season after suffering an injury.

Highlights: Atleti fight off Barca comeback to make semis

Video credit: TNT Sports

However, the German coach confirmed that the 18-year-old should be back in time to star for Spain at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Yamal has helped Barcelona go nine points clear at the top of the La Liga table, but he suffered a hamstring injury during his side’s 1–0 win against Celta Vigo on Wednesday.

Spain are set to get their World Cup campaign underway against Cape Verde on June 15 before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.

World Cup

Figo blasts 'deceitful' Infantino and calls for FIFA president to resign

5 hours ago

Flick insists Yamal will not feature again for Barcelona this term, but that he will be back in time to compete across the pond.

"It’s not an easy situation for us, but also for him,” Flick said.

”We have to manage it, and he also has to manage it. He has to learn from that.

”I think he is very focused now. It was his first muscle injury, and what I can feel is that he is really focused.

”He has the motivation. He is out for us, but I think for the World Cup, he will be there. And he will come back stronger than now.”

Barca have six games remaining in La Liga this season, including a mouth-watering El Clasico against their closest title rivals, Real Madrid, on May 10.

Watch: Yamal strikes early to give Barca 'start they craved'

Video credit: TNT Sports

They will go head-to-head with Getafe, who are firmly in the race for a place in Europe next season in sixth place, on Saturday.

Flick insists his coaching team will do all they can to improve despite the absence of their star forward.

"We will analyse our performance,” he said. "Us, the coaches’ performances. Everything around the team and what we can do better. Where we have to improve.

”This is so important. We will do that. Of course, injuries are not good, but in the end, we have to manage it.

”We have six games more to play. And I am only focused on the next match. It’s tomorrow against Getafe.”

‘He would not leave the pitch without a reason’ – Flick gives update on Yamal injury

Video credit: SNTV

In Yamal’s absence, Flick will have to rely on one of Barcelona’s host of elite academy products to get his side over the line in the title race.

He believes that Gavi has shown how much he means to the team since his return from injury.

He added: "I think it’s got nothing to do with age,” he added. "It’s the personality. When we speak about Gavi, to me he is totally different when we came back to the team after his injury than before.

”He is very focused and for me his performance is huge. I’m really impressed on how he’s come back.”

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

Transfers