Last update:09 November 2024, 8:41 p.m. IST

Hansi Flick said on Saturday he did not know whether teenage winger Lamine Yamal would be fit to face Real Sociedad.

Lamine Yamal is now a crucial member of FC Barcelona’s starting XI. (AP Photo)

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Saturday he was unsure whether teenage winger Lamine Yamal would be fit to start in the La Liga leaders’ visit to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

The coach also said he believes playmaker Dani Olmo will be ready despite feeling unwell at night, while defender Pau Cubarsi can play despite suffering a facial cut in the team’s Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

“Pau, I think (he will be fit), he trained with us during the whole training session,” Flick told reporters.

“Lamine, he (worked) indoors and did specific strength training. He has played a lot of matches in recent weeks so we have taken care of him… we will see what the situation is tomorrow.

“With Dani, he was feeling a little uncomfortable at night and this morning he’s better, so with him just some treatments and medical care, I think he’s ready for tomorrow.”

Barcelona held a nine-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid heading into the weekend.

Flick also stressed the importance of punctuality for his players.

Spanish media reported that French defender Jules Koundé was left out of the starting lineup to face Alaves in October after arriving late for a team meeting.

“It’s a rule. I’m not talking about what happened in the past, it’s just a matter of respect for the team,” Flick said.

“If you arrive five minutes too late, the others have to wait, that’s not respect, that’s not my understanding of respect.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)