Barcelona: Yamal set for next La Liga start after Raphinha update

The teenage sensation could make his fifth La Liga appearance against Real Betis this weekend.

Barcelona fans can expect to see 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal take to the pitch once again in the upcoming La Liga clash against Real Betis.

Raphinha, who is still ahead of Yamal in the pecking order, is set to sit out the match due to fatigue, according to a report by Mundo Deportivo.

The Brazilian winger’s journey in the early part of the season has been anything but smooth. He started Barcelona’s league opener against Getafe but was sent off before halftime for violent conduct. Subsequently, he missed two matches against Cadiz and Villarreal before returning to the squad list against Osasuna, where he played for less than ten minutes.

However, his fatigue can be attributed to his recent international duty with Brazil, where he played in both World Cup qualification games, accumulating over 175 minutes of play.

With Raphinha resting, the spotlight falls once more on young prodigy Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old had been thrust into the limelight earlier in the season when Raphinha was suspended, starting three consecutive games and even making his debut for the Spanish national team.

While Yamal may not be ready to endure the rigours of playing two games a week, his impressive performances have raised questions about Barcelona’s right-wing options. With Raphinha unavailable, Yamal could get the nod to start once again.

Although Ferran Torres and Joao Felix are alternatives, the absence of Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri suggests that Gavi is likely to start in midfield, potentially shifting Barcelona to a more conventional 4-3-3 formation.