Barcelona returns to LaLiga action on Sunday night against Getafe at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys and will look to keep their unbeaten run under Hansi Flick.
Real Madrid are already setting the pace so the reigning champions can’t afford to drop points. Most of the talk has been about 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who has been a revelation for the team.
The youngster has become a key player for Flick, his creativity and directness give Barça a different option in attack. The La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Getafe will start at 9:00 local time. In the United States, it will start at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.
Why Isn’t Lamine Yamal Playing?
The official squad list for the match does not include Lamine Yamal. He’s still dealing with a pubic/groin injury that he picked up during international duty last week and the club is taking it slow with him.
Flick said in his pre-match press conference that he will “take his time” with both Yamal and Gavi, prioritizing the overall health of the team rather than rushing them back.
Reports in Spain call it pubalgia, an overuse injury that needs to be treated with care. There’s no timeline for his return but the club’s approach suggests they will wait for a full recovery before bringing him back, especially with Champions League group matches and tough domestic games coming up.
In Yamal’s absence, the right wing will likely rotate between Raphinha and other attacking options. Flick has been using Raphinha’s work rate and direct play and is calling on his midfield depth to create balance.
With Robert Lewandowski up front and Joao Félix or Ferran Torres on the left, Barcelona still has the firepower to break Getafe’s compact defense.