The FIFA break is over, and clubs are returning to action. For FC Barcelona, it was a chance to recover key players, but one critical return won’t materialize.

Hansi Flick may have Robert Lewandowski and Eric García available for the match against Celta de Vigo, but Lamine Yamal’s recovery remains a concern—bad news for the Blaugrana.

According to Diario AS, the “feelings” around Lamine Yamal’s fitness are far from optimistic, making his appearance on Saturday “highly unlikely.” Sources confirm that pain in his right ankle persists, effectively ruling him out of contention.

The young star suffered an ankle knock during the Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade, which already sidelined him for the game against Real Sociedad, despite being included in the squad.

Barcelona’s medical team diagnosed Yamal with “a grade one sprain in the syndesmosis of his right ankle,” estimating a recovery time of “two to three weeks.”

Is Barça Reliant on Lamine Yamal?

A look at Barcelona’s results this season suggests the team might rely heavily on Yamal’s presence. In the two matches he didn’t start, Barça suffered defeats: against Osasuna at El Sadar and most recently against Real Sociedad, both away games.

Yamal’s Impact at Barcelona

At just 17, Yamal is Barcelona’s third-highest scorer with six goals, five of which came in La Liga. He’s also provided eight assists, ranking second behind Raphinha, who leads the team with 22 combined goal contributions.

Robert Lewandowski completes this trio of key players. The Polish striker has 21 goal contributions, including 19 goals—14 in La Liga—making him the league’s current top scorer (Pichichi).

Barcelona continues to lead La Liga, six points clear of Real Madrid, but Yamal’s absence could be a setback for the team’s momentum.