Barcelona Coach Flick Warns Tired Winger Could Be Rested Against Sociedad

It is uncertain whether Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal will be fit to start in Sunday’s La Liga match at Real Sociedad, manager Hansi Flick said.

Defender Pau Cubarsi is in the running to play after recovering from a facial injury sustained during Wednesday’s 5-2 Champions League victory against Red Star Belgrade.

Cubarsi participated in a full training session with the team, which did not include fellow 17-year-old Yamal.

“Lamine was inside and he did specific strength training. He has had a lot of matches in the last few weeks so we took care of him and let him (train separately) indoors. We will see what his situation is tomorrow,” Flick told reporters on Saturday.

Flick praised Barcelona’s 36-year-old striker Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 19 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions.

“He is in very good shape. I am also impressed with how he helps the defense. For me, there are no thoughts about giving him a rest.

“(midfielder) Dani (Olmo) felt a little bit unwell at night but this morning he is doing better, so with him just treatments and medicine, I think he is ready for tomorrow against Sociedad.”

Sociedad have fared better on the road, collecting 11 of their 15 points away and losing four of their six home matches, with their only victory in front of their fans coming against lowly Valencia.

Barcelona, on 33 points from 12 matches, are six points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who have 27 from 12 games.