Barcelona players must step up in Yamal's absence, says Flick

Hansi Flick has demanded his Barcelona team to step up in the absence of Lamine Yamal after the 18-year-old was ruled out for the rest of the season through injury. 

Yamal sustained the issue during Barcelona's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday shortly after opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 40th minute at Camp Nou. 

Barcelona confirmed 24 hours after their midweek win that Yamal would not be available for the business end of their campaign, though he is expected to be back to full fitness in time for Spain's World Cup campaign this summer. 

Yamal has netted 16 top-flight goals this season, with only David Villa in 2010-11 (18) scoring more for Barcelona in a single season in the competition in the 21st century among all of their Spanish players. 

He has also completed more dribbles (133) than any other player in the division this term, while only Real Betis' Pablo Fornals (73) has created more chances than Yamal's 72. 

In fact, his 41 goal involvements (24 goals, 17 assists) in all competitions in 2025-26 is at least 13 better than the next best in Barcelona's squad (Fermin Lopez – 28). 

Barcelona begin life without Yamal this Saturday when they travel to Getafe, where a victory will push them ever closer to retaining their top-flight crown over Real Madrid. 

"We are one team, and if one is missing, we have to stay closer and manage it with the team," Flick told reporters when asked about the impact of Yamal's injury on the squad. 

"Everyone now has to give 100% or more for the team. This is important. We have six more games.

"Our goal is always to win. It won't be easy tomorrow. We have the quality to do this, but we have to play a fantastic game."

Flick said the reasoning behind Yamal's injury was due to him still learning about his body, but the German coach backed him to be back to his best by the time that the World Cup, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, rolls around. 

"He felt something after the foul, but it was not so much. He decided to kick the penalty, and after that it's maybe more," Flick added.

"He had a feeling, but he had never had a muscle injury before. It's about learning. It's an experience, and this is what he has to learn: to feel the signals the body gives you.

"It's not easy for us or him. What I can feel is that he's really focused. He's out for us, but for the World Cup, he will be there. He will come back stronger."

But the Barcelona boss acknowledged the challenge awaiting his players at Estadio Coliseum against a Getafe side with hopes of finishing in the European places. 

Following their 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Wednesday, Jose Bordalas' side sit sixth in the table, which would be enough to qualify for the Conference League next season. 

While among the lowest scorers in the division, only Barcelona and Madrid (both 30) have conceded fewer goals than Getafe's 32 in LaLiga in 2025-26. 

"Getafe are tough," Flick said. "They defend really good. When you see the last 10 games, they're second in the table.

"They have their own philosophy, and the performances are really good."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Getafe – Martin Satriano

After scoring the winner at the Santiago Bernabeu in March 2026, Satriano could become the third Getafe player to score against both Madrid and Barcelona in the same LaLiga season, following Dani Guiza in 2006-07 and Angel Lafita in 2013-14.

Barcelona – Ferran Torres

With Yamal now out for the rest of the season, Flick will be hoping he can turn to Torres to provide that attacking spark in the final third in the talented teenager's absence. 

Only Yamal (16) has more LaLiga goals in 2025-26 for Barcelona than Torres' 14, while the Spaniard's 15 overall goal involvements are the second-highest tally for the club.