Barcelona pin hopes on Lamine Yamal as injury crisis deepens ahead of Girona clash

Boluwatife Kehinde
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‎Barcelona will look to 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal to spark a revival when they host Girona on Saturday in La Liga, as injuries continue to pile up and pressure mounts ahead of a crucial stretch in their season.
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‎The Catalans return from the international break still reeling from a damaging 4-1 loss to Sevilla—their first defeat under new head coach Hansi Flick. With the Clasico against Real Madrid just around the corner and a Champions League tie against Olympiacos on Tuesday, Barça know there’s little margin for error.
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‎Flick’s squad has been hit hard by injuries in recent weeks. Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo both picked up fresh knocks during the break, adding to a list that already includes Gavi, Joan Garcia, and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. But there is a glimmer of hope: Lamine Yamal and midfielder Fermin Lopez returned to full training this week and are expected to feature against Girona.
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‎Yamal missed the Sevilla match and Spain’s recent World Cup qualifiers due to a recurring groin issue, but he is now ready to return. His comeback could prove vital for a Barcelona side lacking sharpness and creativity in the final third. The teenager had shown impressive form before his injury setback, becoming a key figure in Flick’s attacking setup despite his young age.
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‎Midfielder Pedri admitted the performance in Seville was “our worst under Flick,” a sentiment echoed by many. Still, Flick chose to focus on the improved second half in that game and urged his players to move on quickly.
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‎Barcelona’s season so far has been uneven. A 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano in August prompted Flick to question his squad’s mentality after last season’s domestic treble. The wake-up call seemed to work, with Barça stringing together a series of wins—even in Yamal’s absence. But his injury in the Champions League clash with PSG marked the start of another downturn.
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‎Girona, currently 18th in the table, arrive as underdogs—but the match is a derby and won’t lack intensity. For Barcelona, it’s a must-win, not just for morale, but to stay within reach of league leaders Real Madrid, who face Getafe on Sunday.
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‎Saturday’s game will again be played at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc, as delays continue to stall the reopening of Camp Nou. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who signed a contract extension through 2029 this week, said: “We’re all excited to return to Camp Nou—but for now, we have to focus on results.”