Barcelona Returns with a Fragile Attack

Barcelona resumes training after the international break, focusing on the medical room. Hansi Flick must deal with the usual injury plague, but this time the spotlight is on the attack. Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres are confirmed absentees, while Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski, key players for the German coach, remain doubtful. The coming days will be crucial to determine their availability for the match against Celta de Vigo in Balaídos next Saturday.

The participation of these two stars has become increasingly vital. Ferran Torres is progressing in his recovery from a biceps femoris injury sustained on October 6, but his return is still premature. Meanwhile, Ansu Fati is the latest casualty with a similar injury to the Valencian, sidelining him for at least four weeks. In this scenario, Flick can only rely on Raphinha, returning from Brazil's commitments, and Pau Víctor, the only fully fit attacking player during the break.

These absences have led Flick to closely monitor the progress of Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, as neither attended international duties. The Polish player was injured in the match against Real Sociedad with back discomfort, a recurring issue that seems unlikely to prevent his participation in Vigo, as the estimated recovery time for such injuries is about ten days, as previously experienced in September. Then, the former Bayern player shortened recovery time, being substituted early in the Scotland - Poland Nations League match and acknowledging the same discomfort. "I felt back pain and decided not to risk it," he explained at the time. This injury did not prevent him from playing three days later against Croatia, starting in all subsequent Barça matches, and it seems unlikely to hinder his presence in Balaídos.

Lamine Yamal's case is different. The young Barça talent suffered a severe blow in the Champions League match against Red Star, and the subsequent treatment by the club did not alleviate the discomfort before the Real Sociedad match and the international break. Since then, the estimated recovery time has been two to three weeks, a tight margin that leaves his participation in Balaídos uncertain. Barça has protected the winger with a compressive bandage to reduce pain in his right ankle, but they do not want to take risks, and he might start from the bench or not participate in the match.

The potential absence of Lamine Yamal leaves Flick with the option to make a player change or even alter the system. Pau Víctor could have his chance in the starting lineup, or Flick might turn to Dani Olmo as an additional player in the attacking trio, alternating positions with Raphinha, always behind Lewandowski, who is the most likely to be fit for Saturday's match.