Barcelona will have an unexpected absence for the fourth LaLiga matchday against Valencia. Lamine Yamal, who already showed discomfort during his draft with Spain, won't be available for this important match. Hansi Flick confirmed it in the pre-match press conference, harshly criticizing Luis de la Fuente and showing his obvious anger.
Luis de la Fuente, responsible
"He had discomfort, he didn't train between matches with the national team and that's not taking care of the players. He went to the national team with discomfort, didn't train between matches, played many minutes, 73 and 79, in each match with discomfort. That's not being careful with the players," Hansi Flick publicly stated.
The fact is that Lamine Yamal is a confirmed absence for the match against Valencia and a serious doubt for the Champions League debut in Newcastle. This means the German coach has to look for alternatives in his squad, something that has caused him many headaches.
There is a big winner from Lamine Yamal's injury
"Madrid-Barcelona" has learned that Hansi Flick is clear about who will replace Lamine Yamal against Valencia. The chosen one is none other than Ferran Torres, with the idea of moving him away from the central area and shifting him to the right wing.
Flick's plan is clear: move Ferran Torres to one of the wings, leaving the center spot open for Lewandowski. He intends to bring the Polish striker back into the fold after a few opening LaLiga matches with minimal involvement.
So, initially and unless there's a radical change of plans, two of the three attacking positions are already covered. Ferran Torres for Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski in the center. In the coming hours, he'll decide on the left wing, where there are doubts about Raphinha due to his minutes with Brazil. One possibility would be to count on Marcus Rashford, who has left a good impression during this break with England.
Roony Bardghji, alternative
Meanwhile, the naturalized Swede Roony Bardghji is ready to make his debut. He is registered with the reserve team and has approval to play in LaLiga with Barcelona.
Although many voices are calling for him to start, Hansi Flick's plans are to give him minutes off the bench. He hasn't made his official debut yet and, in Flick's view, needs some time to adapt. But the trust in the young former Copenhagen player is at its highest in Barça.