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Spanish football giants Barcelona head to Getafe on Saturday with a massive challenge on their hands, as teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
The absence of one of their most decisive players comes at a delicate stage of the La Liga title race, with the Catalan giants trying to protect a nine-point lead over rivals Real Madrid.
Manager Hansi Flick still holds a commanding position at the top of the table, but injuries to both Yamal and Raphinha have offered Madrid renewed hope of mounting a late title challenge. Barcelona host Madrid in a potentially decisive Clásico on May 10, a fixture that could reshape the race if the gap narrows before then.
For Barcelona, the immediate task is clear. Victories over Getafe and Osasuna in their next two league matches would ensure they maintain breathing space heading into that showdown.
Yet replacing Yamal will not be straightforward. The 18-year-old has delivered an outstanding campaign, scoring 24 goals and providing 18 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. He had also found strong league form recently, with nine goals in his last 12 matches.
Attention now turns to squad players who have seen limited opportunities this season. Roony Bardghji may be called upon to fill the void on the right wing, while Marcus Rashford could also have an increased role after falling down the pecking order in recent months.
Barcelona were far from convincing in their narrow midweek win over Celta Vigo, and Flick acknowledged improvements are needed.
“I think we can play much better, we have to play much better,” he said, adding that his side must show more confidence and intelligence in possession.
Before Barcelona even takes the field, Madrid has a chance to apply pressure when they visit Real Betis on Friday. That result could set the tone for another tense weekend in Spain’s title race.
