Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona anticipate Lamine Yamal may be available to feature in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu in less than three weeks
- The club intend for Yamal to make a phased return by appearing against Girona and Olympiacos prior to facing Real Madrid
- Fermin Lopez and Raphinha are also expected to recover in time for El Clasico, aiming to join Yamal in the starting line-up
Phased Comeback Plan for Lamine Yamal
With less than three weeks remaining until the season’s inaugural El Clasico, uncertainty still surrounds Lamine Yamal’s participation for Barcelona as they prepare to visit the Santiago Bernabeu. The 18-year-old forward suffered a recurrence of his pubis injury following Barcelona’s recent defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, having first aggravated the problem during September’s international break. It is estimated that Yamal will be sidelined for approximately two to three weeks.
🚨🎖️| 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Lamine’s recovery is progressing very well, with optimism within the club. He’s following a strict work plan and will train from Monday to Friday. If all goes as planned, he’ll play 30–45 minutes as a substitute against Girona, start and play 60–70 minutes… pic.twitter.com/PIGXpWsqYN
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) October 8, 2025
This timeframe could see him return just ahead of the pivotal encounter against Real Madrid, though his readiness to start remains in question. Determined to have their talented attacker available, Barcelona have reportedly established a detailed plan to optimise his recovery and reintegration.
Graduated Return to Match Fitness
Barcelona’s strategy involves introducing Yamal back into action after the international hiatus by giving him 30-45 minutes against Girona. This step is designed to help him reacquire competitive sharpness and assess his physical response to match conditions.
Should he come through unscathed, Yamal is then targeted to start Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Olympiacos, where he could play 60-70 minutes. This increased workload aims to boost his match fitness further before the squad travel to face Real Madrid five days later.
| Fixture | Target Minutes | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| vs Girona | 30-45 | Regain match rhythm, test recovery |
| vs Olympiacos (Champions League) | 60-70 | Boost match sharpness |
| vs Real Madrid (El Clasico) | 90 | Aim to be available for starting XI |
Fermin Lopez and Raphinha Also Eye Returns
In addition to Yamal, Barcelona anticipate having both Fermin Lopez and Raphinha fit ahead of El Clasico. Both have grappled with injuries in recent weeks, but are pencilled in to make their respective comebacks against Girona, with the intention of following a similar phased return. This approach is aimed at ensuring their readiness to feature prominently at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Pivotal Squad Reinforcements for Real Madrid Clash
Having key players such as Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Raphinha available for selection is paramount as Barcelona strive to maintain the impressive results they achieved in recent El Clasico encounters.
