El Clasico Edge: Barca's stealth comeback plan for Yamal
8 October 2025
Return plan for Yamal before El Clasico
Barcelona is stepping up a wide ranging plan to bring back their rising star Lamine Yamal ahead of the Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26, in the tenth round of La Liga.
The 18 year old is diligently following an intense rehabilitation schedule at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, aiming to overcome the groin injury that slowed his progress and reach the pitch in peak condition.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Yamal suffered a setback in the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, but the latest recovery milestones have been very encouraging.
Both the coaching staff and the player feel hopeful after noticing a clear improvement, while Yamal sticks to a precise plan laid out by the club conditioning and medical team for a gradual return.
He is spending the whole week at the training complex from Monday to Friday, attending targeted sessions focused on rehabilitation and strengthening.
He has one fewer rest day than his teammates who enjoy three days off, with the weekend off to recharge mentally before returning Monday to train with the group ahead of Girona.
Barcelona's approach is cautious but ambitious, and if all goes to plan Yamal could feature for 30 to 45 minutes against Girona at the Louis Companys Stadium to test his match sharpness.
If there are no setbacks the next target would be starting against Olympiakos in the Champions League, where the club plans to give him between 60 and 70 minutes.
Above all the Clasico against Real Madrid remains the ultimate goal, with every detail of Yamal's program designed to peak at the Bernabeu.
The press notes that the club is meticulous about aligning the plan to ensure Yamal reaches his best fitness for the big date.
Coach Hans Flick regards Yamal as a decisive asset thanks to his dribbling, pace and attacking surprises, and wants to rely on him in a game that could swing the La Liga race.
Meanwhile Barca are also close to bringing back injured players such as Fermin Lopez and Raphinha, who are nearing their return and could feature in Girona but likely not as starters.
The teenage star journey from La Masia prodigy to a key figure is traced through his early breakout, his speed and his ability to decide in tight spaces.
Born in 2007 in Martorell and developed at La Masia, Yamal has drawn attention with exceptional skill and pace, becoming one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
Since breaking into Barca's first team, he has proven that he is more than a prospect, capable of changing games in big moments.
Last season he became a mainstay under coach Flick, contributing with goals and decisive assists and earning praise from club legends as the future face of Barcelona after Messi.
With the Clasico approaching all eyes are on this youngster who could unlock a crucial victory and continue his rapid rise.
Punchline 1: Yamal’s dribbles are so fast the ball needs a passport to keep up.
Punchline 2: Barca plan is so precise even the GPS asks for directions.
