Flick considering resting €180m-rated Barcelona rising star against Girona – report | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal has been a near-constant presence for FC Barcelona this season. The 17-year-old wonderkid has featured in 39 games across all competitions, scoring 13 and assisting 17 goals in the process.

The teenage sensation has easily been one of the standout performers for Barça this season and has been among the driving forces behind the team’s sustained push for trophies.

Rest for Lamine Yamal?

However, according to SPORT, with a packed schedule ahead, manager Hansi Flick is considering giving Lamine Yamal a much-needed break this Sunday against Girona.

Balancing results and player fitness is critical as the season enters its final stretch, and resting key players like Lamine could help prevent burnout.

If Lamine does start on the bench this Sunday, it will mark the first time in four months he has not been in the starting lineup.

The last time he was a substitute was on 30th November against Las Palmas, where he was recovering from an ankle injury. Even then, it was not a tactical decision – he came on at half-time.

Rest for Lamine? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

In fact, the only time Flick has benched Lamine purely for technical reasons was six months ago, in September, against Osasuna. In the other 37 matches he has played this season, Lamine has been a guaranteed starter and has clocked 3,200 minutes.

However, after playing 120 minutes against the Netherlands last Sunday and featuring for the full game in the 3-0 win against Osasuna on Thursday, Flick could rest the teenage gem.

Another key factor in Flick’s decision is the upcoming Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano next Wednesday. With no margin for error in the knockout competition, securing a place in the final may take priority.

In contrast, the small cushion in La Liga allows for a bit more risk. This could influence Flick to rest Lamine against Girona to keep him fresh for the must-win cup match.

Alternatively, Flick could consider resting Lamine after the game is under control. The plan could be to start him, try to build a comfortable lead, and then substitute him to preserve energy.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.