Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was carrying injury before ankle problem

Barcelona have lost their chief source of creativity for one of their most crucial fixtures of the season, after Lamine Yamal was ruled out with an ankle ligament sprain on Monday. The 17-year-old was carrying an injury at the time.

According to Sport, Lamine Yamal was not 100% fit over the last month. Since returning from an initial ankle injury suffered in early November, Lamine Yamal had improved considerably, but was not completely without pain – his desire to help the team saw him force the issue.

Against Leganes, Lamine Yamal was asked during the break whether he was fit to continue, and said that he was, but Hansi Flick and assistant Marcus Sorg did not change him until the 75th minute. Now Lamine Yamal will take a much more careful approach to the ankle issue.

Seeing the example of Frenkie de Jong, yet to rediscover his form eight months on from his last ankle injury, the 17-year-old will ensure that he recovers fully this time, and may even add extra time onto his recovery. His participation in the Spanish Supercup, in the semi-final against Athletic Club on the 8th of January, is unlikely at this point.