With the November international break coming to an end, Barcelona are set to resume their campaign this weekend as they take on Athletic Club at Camp Nou.
The game will mark the first time since Barcelona have played at the iconic stadium after two and a half years.
Heading into this game, there was much anticipation surrounding Lamine Yamal, who even teased on social media about starting a new era at Camp Nou.
However, heading into this weekend’s clash, it appears unlikely Yamal will be able to start against Athletic Club, and that is largely due to Barcelona prioritising one thing over the other.
Barcelona want Yamal for Chelsea tie
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s aim is to get Yamal back to full fitness ahead of the Champions League clash against Chelsea next midweek.
The report suggests that the youngster did partially train with the group yesterday, and Barcelona’s priority is to ensure the player gets rid of the groin pain.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona player
Barcelona desperately want Yamal for UCL clash against Chelsea. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
While Barcelona do not rule out Yamal playing a few minutes against Athletic Club, their bigger goal is to have him available for the Chelsea tie.
This is hardly surprising as Barcelona are in a precarious position in the UCL, with two wins in four matches so far this season.
If the Catalans fail to win against Chelsea, it will serve as a major blow to their chances of finishing inside the top eight and securing a direct qualification to the Round of 16 stage.
Barcelona finished second in the league phase last season. In contrast, the club are currently 11th, behind clubs like Galatasaray and Tottenham Hotspur.
Yamal’s presence, therefore, could indeed prove to be critical as Barcelona look to move up places in the UCL table.