Tensions have escalated between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in the past two days, with the Catalan side angered after Lamine Yamal returned from international duty carrying a pelvis injury.
The setback forced the teenager out of Sunday’s 6-0 win over Valencia and casts doubt on his availability for Thursday’s Champions League clash with Newcastle.
Head coach Hansi Flick made his frustrations clear in his pre-match press conference on Saturday. However, RFEF sources have since rejected his version of events.
Quick take: Match context: momentum and small details could decide this one, especially set-pieces and transitions. Form and fitness will matter; expect managers to rotate carefully around the congested schedule. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.