Lamine Yamal's absence could represent a turning point for FC Barcelona this season. Initially, the winger will be out for 3 to 4 weeks due to a grade 1 injury to the anterior tibiofibular ligament. However, unlike a sprain, the recovery period is much more uncertain, given the risk of a relapse that could lead to a more serious issue in the syndesmosis of the ankle.
For now, Barça's priority is to recover the young player in time for a hypothetical Supercopa de España final, although the possibility of having him for the 'semis' against Athletic Club (January 8) is not completely ruled out. The player will logically try to return as soon as possible, but the Barça medical staff, which has already dealt with a serious ankle injury this year with Frenkie de Jong, cannot afford the mistake of taking unnecessary risks with the player from Mataró, especially since it concerns a minor title (the Supercopa).
Against Leganés, the coaching staff's decision to keep the winger on the field for almost an hour with ankle discomfort was, at the very least, difficult to understand. Although the player insisted on wanting to continue, logic suggested substituting him at halftime, as it was a complicated match, yes, due to the score, but not decisive. Much more important is the clash on Saturday against Atlético, which Lamine will have to watch from the stands of Montjuïc.
Barça needs Lamine at full strength for the Champions
In this sense, Barça needs to establish its priorities with Lamine for the second half of the 2024/25 season. The club can and should aspire to a treble, but clearly the number 1 objective is the Champions League. The poor current form of teams like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, the latter two having been thrashed by Barça in October, invites, more than dreaming of reaching the final in Munich, to seriously consider the possibility of winning the 'big ears'.
However, this objective will be much more difficult without Lamine at full physical capacity. The team's performance is significantly better with the '19' on the field, but a mistake in his physical preparation could ruin everything. January is a very tough month for the Barça calendar. For the Champions, although there are still two matches to play, direct qualification to the round of 16 is just one win/draw away. There are many league and cup matches, yes, but the focus should be on Europe. Arriving without injuries in March and, above all, with Yamal healthy, will be vital to face the seven matches that would separate Barça from their sixth Champions League title.