The last months of 2024 have been very complicated for Lamine Yamal. The winger was sidelined for three weeks last November due to a grade 1 injury to the right ankle syndesmosis suffered against Red Star in the Champions League. The player rushed his return to the pitch and by the end of the month he was back under Hansi Flick's orders.
However, despite showing the same spectacular level as always, the reality is that the Barcelona star was playing without being at a hundred percent. The pain in his ankle had improved, but it had not completely disappeared. In fact, the newspaper 'SPORT' revealed that the plan for FC Barcelona was for the '19' to rest in the second half against Leganés if the match was under control.
In this context, fate played a cruel trick. A harsh tackle from Neyou in the 16th minute of the first half resulted in a new sprain for the forward. Lamine wanted to continue, but immediately felt that he was not in condition, although he ultimately played 30 minutes of the second half.
Lamine Makes a Decision Regarding His Recovery
Last Monday, medical tests confirmed a grade 1 sprain in the player's anterior tibiofibular ligament, which will keep him sidelined for at least three to four weeks. A relapse that has alarmed Yamal, who this time will approach his recovery differently to cut the pain in his ankle.
The player will not rush his return to the pitch as accelerating timelines can be detrimental in the long run. The star from Mataró has looked in the mirror of Frenkie de Jong and has understood that injuries that are not fully healed can be dangerous, which is why he will not take any risks in this new journey.
For this reason, his presence in the match against Athletic Club on January 8 for the Supercopa de España is more in doubt than ever. Both Barça and Lamine are clear that they not only need to overcome the injury but also strengthen that ankle to protect it upon his return to the first team. The '19' will do everything possible to be ready for the match, but this time he will prioritize his body and his feelings will dictate the timelines.