Lamine Yamal’s fitness continues to be a talking point in Spain, following the young Barcelona star’s decision to withdraw from the Spanish national team squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
The move sparked widespread debate and controversy across the football community, with many questioning the timing and seriousness of his injury.
According to the latest update from Helena Condis, the forecast within Barcelona is now far more positive.
What is Barcelona’s plan?
The talented winger is expected to return to full training on Tuesday, November 18, marking a significant step forward in his recovery.
Until then, Yamal will continue with daily rehabilitation exercises designed to strengthen his body and manage the pubalgia (groin inflammation) that has troubled him for several weeks.
The club’s clear objective is to have him in peak condition for the clash against Athletic Club on November 22.
The issue first emerged back in September, when Yamal began feeling discomfort in his pubic area, a condition that has since disrupted his rhythm and limited his ability to perform at full intensity.
Vinicius Junior and Lamine Yamal
Barcelona are optimistic about Lamine Yamal’s swift return. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
As one of the brightest young stars in world football, any setback involving the teenager naturally draws attention.
His absence last month from national duty already raised eyebrows, and his latest withdrawal has reignited discussions about how his workload should be managed at such a young age.
Massive uproar
This situation also led to several public comments, including from Spain head coach, Luis de la Fuente, who appeared visibly frustrated by how Barcelona managed the situation.
The decision, however, was made jointly by Barcelona’s medical staff and the player’s representatives to prevent the injury from worsening.
With pubalgia known to require careful handling, pushing Yamal too soon could risk aggravating the condition, something both the club and player are eager to avoid.
Now that the initial storm has passed, Barcelona are breathing a sigh of relief. The focus has shifted entirely to ensuring Yamal completes his recovery in a controlled environment.
The coaching staff remain confident that, if all goes to plan, he will be fully ready to feature against Athletic Club.