Hansi Flick has provided a reassuring update on Lamine Yamal after the Barcelona winger was substituted against Elche, confirming he had a minor issue and was still working back towards full fitness.

Barcelona manager reveals what was wrong with Lamine Yamal after Elche substitution

Hansi Flick has provided a fresh update on Lamine Yamal after the Barcelona star caused concern when he was substituted during the 5-0 victory over Elche.

Yamal looked visibly disappointed after leaving the pitch around the hour mark, leading to questions over whether he had suffered an injury or was simply unhappy with the decision.

Flick has now explained that the 19-year-old was dealing with a minor health issue and was not yet operating at 100% physically.

Flick reveals Yamal had a headache

Speaking about Yamal after the match, Flick confirmed the winger had experienced a small problem during the game.

The Barcelona coach revealed that Yamal had a headache, but did not suggest there was any serious injury behind the substitution.

That should come as a major relief to supporters after the youngster’s reaction on the bench sparked immediate speculation.

Yamal still not back to 100%

Flick also explained that Yamal is still building his fitness after returning from a short break following the World Cup.

The winger had only around three weeks away before returning to Barcelona preparations, leaving him with limited time to fully recover before the start of the new season.

Flick admitted Yamal is not yet at 100%, despite describing him as an exceptional talent and a player Barcelona desperately need.

The club are therefore expected to manage his workload carefully during the opening weeks of the campaign.

Flick happy with Yamal’s performance

Despite the health concern and reduced minutes, Flick was still satisfied with what he saw from Yamal against Elche.

The youngster was involved in Barcelona’s attacking play before being replaced and helped create problems for the opposition throughout his time on the pitch.

Flick made it clear that the substitution was not a punishment for a poor performance.

Instead, Barcelona were simply unwilling to push Yamal too far while he was still recovering his full physical condition.

No sign of serious injury

Importantly, Barcelona have not issued a separate medical statement regarding Yamal.

The club did release an injury update on Gavi following the same match, making the absence of a similar announcement for Yamal another positive sign.

There has been no indication of a muscle problem, ligament issue or any other injury that would require an extended spell on the sidelines.

Flick plays down Yamal’s unhappy reaction

Yamal’s expression after being substituted also attracted considerable attention.

However, Flick refused to interpret the reaction as evidence of tension between player and coach.

He suggested it was normal for a young attacking player to want to remain on the pitch and continue contributing.

At this stage, there is no evidence of any disagreement between Yamal and Flick over the decision.

Barcelona expected to continue managing his minutes

Yamal remains one of Barcelona’s most important attacking players and there is currently no indication that he is facing a significant absence.

The bigger issue for Flick is making sure the teenager gradually returns to full fitness without being overloaded too early in the season.

For now, the latest update is reassuring. Yamal was not fully fit and suffered a minor headache against Elche, but there is no sign of a serious injury and Barcelona continue to count on him as a key part of the team.