lamine-yamal
FC Barcelona sit top of the La Liga table this international break, although their lead has shrunk to just three points. Arch-rival Real Madrid are charging hard on their heels. Barcelona scored a nice, 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid this past weekend, and their next match will be Nov 22, when Villarreal comes to visit. Let’s take a look at the injury list, and speculate on who might return for that match, versus who will stay sidelined. The current injury list consists of Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Xavi Espart, Jules Kounde, Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji. Let’s get after it.
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Lamine Yamal
We start right at the top with the star man, who suffered a minor knee injury last weekend. It’s apparently just inflammation, but it is enough to keep him out of Spain’s UEFA Nations League clash with Czechia tonight. However, he is expected to return for Spain’s home match against England next week.
The situation has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente speaking up about the status of Lamine Yamal.
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“To speak from a place of ignorance, in life, is the saddest and [most] regrettable thing,” De la Fuente said.
“So that’s why I’m here to give light, to see if those who think what you just said find out.
“Lamine picked up an issue in his last game, he had some pain on one of his knees. He went to do the regular treatment, he got an MRI in Barcelona and they saw he had an inflammation and liquid in his knee.
“That meant we had to give him rest. Our medical service and their medical service [Barcelona’s] have a fantastic relationship.
“I decided, to avoid him making the trip to continue his treatment without knowing if he was going to be healthy to return to training on Friday, I preferred he stayed home, training with the club. And on Friday, if he’s available by Thursday, he can join us on Friday.”
rodri spain
rodri spain
Rodri
The former Manchester City midfield maestro is out until December with a hamstring injury.
Xavi Espart
He suffered a significant ankle injury in the El Clasico loss on Oct. 26. He could be back at some point in mid-to-late December. Athough other forecasts see a return in early January more likely.
rodri
Jules Kounde
The Frenchman has been day-to-day with an ankle sprain for awhile, and it is hopeful that he could be back in action against Villarreal.
Dani Olmo
The Spanish midfielder has been dealing with an adductor strain, but there is optimism that he’ll be ready for the next clash.
dani olmo
dani olmo
Roony Bardghji
He remains sidelined, for most if not all, of this season with a cruciate ligament tear.
Squad Injury Updates: November International Break
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Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor ofThe Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.