Barcelona dealt massive blow as star man ruled out of UCL clash against Stade Brestois: Reports
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been ruled out of their UEFA Champions League clash against Stade Brestois on Tuesday, November 26. Yamal picked up an ankle injury against Red Star earlier this month in the same tournament and hasn't played since.
The Catalans have struggled in his absence, failing to win both their games since his injury. Hansi Flick's team were undone by Real Sociedad before the international break, losing 1-0 at the Reale Arena. On Saturday, Barcelona took a 2-0 lead against Celta Vigo, courtesy of goals from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. However, they failed to hold on to the lead, with the game ending 2-2.
The Catalans were hoping to have their prized asset back after the international break, but that hasn't happened so far. The 17-year-old is still in pain and his recovery hasn't gone according to plans, as per Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Universal).
As such, the player will not play any part in the upcoming game against Stade Brestois. His involvement in next weekend's game against Las Palmas will also be in doubt.
Even if Yamal regains fitness, Flick is unlikely to rush him back in, given the injury woes of the other younger players at the club. The Spaniard has scored six goals and set up eight more from 16 games across competitions this season for Barcelona. The Catalans remain at the top of the LaLiga table right now, five points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
How many players are Barcelona missing due to injuries this season?
Barcelona are missing multiple players due to injuries at the moment. Marc Bernal was hailed as the next best thing at the start of the season. However, he ruptured his ACL and is now ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen picked up a knee injury in September that required surgery. The German custodian isn't expected to play against this season, and the Catalans have already signed Wojciech Szczesny as his replacement.
Elsewhere, Ronald Araujo is yet to appear this season after picking up an injury during Copa America. Andreas Christensen is out with an Achilles tendon irritation but is expected to return at the turn of the year.
Meanwhile, Ferran Torres picked up a hamstring injury in October this year and is scheduled to be back in action at the start of next month. Ansu Fati, who has been a peripheral figure for Barcelona of late, is also out with a muscle injury.