Lamine Yamal is not playing due to a groin injury, specifically a problem in the pubic area (pubalgia), causing him pain and preventing him from training and playing with FC Barcelona. He aggravated this injury while playing for Spain in international matches, during which he had to take painkillers to continue playing despite not being able to train properly. As a result, he missed Barcelona's recent games, including a La Liga match against Valencia and the Champions League opener against Newcastle United. The club and coach Hansi Flick have expressed frustration with the Spain national team for not managing his playing time more carefully, as it worsened his condition. Yamal's return date is uncertain, with cautious management to avoid surgery, and he may only return after upcoming matches, potentially targeting a comeback in about two weeks for a major Champions League fixture.
