Lamine Yamal Sparks a Derby Scare at Barcelona
1 January 2026
Lamine Yamal Sends Barca Into a Panic
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s star, sparked concern on Thursday with a surprise absence from training ahead of the Espanyol clash.
Derby Fight Attracts Attention At Cornellà-El Prat
Barça faces Espanyol on Saturday at Cornellà-El Prat, the visitors’ venue for round 18 of La Liga.
AS reported that Yamal did not participate due to illness, in the first training session of 2026.
Barça trained without the youngster, who is said to be ill, though he remained on club premises.
According to AS, Yamal’s involvement in the derby should go ahead unless a surprise arises.
Barcelona kept training in his absence, hopeful for a quick recovery.
The match is set for Saturday at Cornellà-El Prat.
Punchline: If he sneezes again, they’ll bill the match as ‘fever pitch.’
Punchline 2: Derby day or not, Barca’s dressing room could use a thermometer and a sense of humor.
