Yamal obstacle and an unprecedented situation: uncertainty at Barcelona before the Valencia clash
Will it be the first test of rotation?
Hansi Flick is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of Barcelona's trip to Valencia. The final session before the game threw up a surprise involving Lamine Yamal, with the German set to shuffle his pack at the start of a hectic week in La Liga and the Champions League.
Lamine Yamal raises doubts
According to a report by Sport newspaper, Lamine Yamal skipped Barcelona's final training session before the clash with Valencia. It was a big surprise. Twenty-three players took part in the session, among them Gavi, Gabriel Jesus and Dominik Livakovic, while the Barcelona star trained separately.
Flick explained that Yamal had picked up a knock in recent weeks, which is why the coaching staff preferred him to train away from the group. He confirmed the winger would travel with the team to Valencia, with the final call on his involvement still to come.
The player wants to play and does not like training on his own, Flick said, noting that he is in a good place in terms of level, mentality and morale. He also praised his display in the last match.
Playing is better for Yamal than training, the German coach believes, but he stressed the need to wait and see whether the youngster would start or be handed a rest.
Unexpected obstacle: anxiety and stifling heat
The newspaper continued: "This is an unexpected obstacle for the German coach. Therefore, we imagine he is feeling some concern. Yamal, who was chosen among the candidates for the captain's role, will play that Mestalla match, which will be held in stifling hot conditions, and he is being handled with extreme care."
It went on: "This represents an obstacle, naturally, for both teams, but it must be taken heavily into account. The temperature at the Valencia stadium is expected to reach around 34 degrees Celsius at the time of the match. It is a very bad idea, and we are still at the peak of summer, to schedule the match at the hottest part of the day."
Flick turns to the bench: an unprecedented situation
Barcelona have named 24 players in their squad, with Flick taking every available option to Valencia and delaying his final call until kick-off. One member of the squad will end up watching from the stands.
It's the first time Flick has faced this dilemma all season. Gavi is back from injury and Gabriel Jesus is available again.
Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic also made the squad for the first time, and he's expected to slot in as the second-choice keeper.
Busy week: chasing Real Madrid
Sport confirmed: "There will be changes, and Flick will call on his reserve players in a week that includes two matches: the Champions League opener against Feyenoord, and Valencia, a hugely important match too for building an initial points gap this season over Real Madrid."
It concluded: "Real's stumble at the Villamarin stadium gives Barcelona the chance to open up a three-point gap over their arch-rivals for the first time. In this way, a win at the Mestalla stadium would guarantee Flick's side finish matchday four as sole leaders. More importantly, maintaining the excellent form the team has shown since the start of the season. Continuing to move forward with confident strides is now essential."
