Overview
- Yamal has been rebuilding from a hamstring injury suffered in April that interrupted his momentum and limited his individual impact at the World Cup.
- The winger struggled in Barcelona's season opener at Elche but showed clear improvement against Athletic Bilbao, completing a full 90 minutes.
- Flick, speaking Sunday, defended Yamal's start to the season and pointed to his recent three-week holiday and World Cup workload as reasons for uneven form.
- The coach reported brighter training mood and singled out specific moments where Yamal reached 'top level', while urging the club and fans to support his recovery.
- Barcelona have won their opening games with Raphinha used as a makeshift nine after failing to sign Julián Álvarez, a situation that heightens the value of Yamal regaining form and minutes.