Lamine Yamal will not feature for Barcelona in their Champions League meeting with Brest as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
The 17-year-old was withdrawn from the Spain squad for the Nations League fixtures over the international break after picking up a knock in their last European game, a win over Red Star, on November 6.
He missed the La Liga defeat at Real Sociedad four days later and was also sidelined for Saturday’s draw against Celta Vigo.
The club initially diagnosed a grade 1 ankle sprain before putting a two to three week estimate on his recovery.
Yamal is working his way back to full fitness but is yet to return to training with team-mates and won’t be part of the matchday squad on Tuesday night.
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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said he was hopeful Yamal would be available to return for Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Las Palmas.
Asked how much his team will miss the Spain international, Flick said: “His quality is very good. He controls the ball, creates space, gets away from the opposition… I hope this is the last game he misses. He’s better now. I think he’ll be an option on Saturday or he’ll be on the bench. We’ll see.”
Prior to his injury Yamal, who only turned 17 in July, had featured in every game for the club this season.
Inigo Martinez echoed Flick’s sentiment, adding: “We know his importance. He gives us a lot. hH pushes back the rival’s line, he generates a lot of fear… he is vital and important. But that doesn’t mean that whoever comes on won’t be up to the job. Anyone is capable. But Lamine is Lamine and we don’t have him.
“But whoever comes in will give no less. It’s not because of him that we will win or lose. We focus on the players we have.”
Barcelona are also expected to be without left-back Alejandro Balde for Tuesday’s Champions League fixture. Flick explained Balde missed the weekend’s draw with Celta Vigo due to a muscular injury and was unlikely to feature against Brest.
“He had some muscular problems from a few days ago,” Flick said. “He didn’t play. He’s better today. He won’t be an option for tomorrow.’
Barcelona sit sixth in the Champions League league phase after three wins from their four games so far.
Saturday’s draw and Real Madrid’s victory over Leganes on Sunday means Barcelona lead La Liga by four points with Carlo Ancelotti’s side having played one game fewer.
(Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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