Barcelona coach Hansi Flick provides update on whether Lamine Yamal will play La Liga opener vs Valencia after his father got stabbed
Barcelona prodigal teenager Lamine Yamal's father was reportedly stabbed multiple times in a car park on Wednesday night (August 14). According to Spanish media reports (via BBC), Mounir Nasraoui was assaulted in Mataró, north of Barcelona, by a group he had spoken to earlier in the day. Initially in serious condition, he's now stable in a Barcelona hospital.
Amidst the grave situation, there has been a cloud of doubt regarding Lamine Yamal's availability for the club's upcoming matches. However, head coach Hansi Flick revealed that the 17-year-old might be slated to play a part in their La Liga opener against Valencia.
"Lamine Yamal could play tomorrow," he said in the pre-match press conference (via Barca Universal).
Yamal made only an appearance off the bench in the club's final pre-season friendly against AS Monaco where they lost 3-0. He returned after an extended summer of international duty, owing to his participation in Spain's victorious EURO 2024 campaign.
How will Barcelona lineup for their La Liga opener against Valencia?
Barcelona will take on Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium in their 2024-25 La Liga opener on Saturday, August 17.
The extent of Lamine Yamal's availability will be a huge question mark for Hansi Flick. The young winger hasn't played around 45 minutes in the pre-season friendly. After the tragic episode in his personal life, it remains to be seen if he can immediately break into the starting lineup.
The teenager was in sensational form through the summer for Spain at Euro 2024. He assisted four times and scored a stunning goal in the semi-final against France. While fitness remains a slight concern, given Yamal's form, Flick could directly slot the winger into the starting lineup.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will undoubtedly start between the sticks, with Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez starting as the center-back pairing. Jules Kounde, who impressed during the Euros, will start as the right-back, while Alejandro Balde will be the obvious choice for the left-back slot.
Marc Casado and Marc Bernal could form the double pivot in the midfield, as Illkay Gundogan starts ahead of them. If Yamal isn't in the starting lineup, expect Raphinha, Pau Victor, and Robert Lewandowski to make the cut. The Catalan club are yet to register new signing Dani Olmo, and if they can before the opener, the Spaniard could see some minutes off the bench.
Valencia will pose a considerable threat, hence, the Blaugranas will have to field their strongest outfit right away.