Barça Ready for Brugge: Yamal on the mend, no surgery needed, and a mental edge that talks louder than the crowd

Ahead of the Brugge clash

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the upcoming Champions League match against Club Brugge will be demanding, but emphasized that focus and collective spirit are the keys to victory. Brugge’s tall, physical presence is noted, but Flick insists height isn’t the issue; the priority is the right mentality and fighting spirit on the pitch. The fixture is expected to resemble the Elche encounter, with moments of quality and pressure that must be navigated with smart decisions.

In a Tuesday press conference, Flick added that Brugge’s aerial threat is real, yet this does not pose an insurmountable obstacle for Barça. The emphasis remains on attitude and tactical sharpness rather than sheer brute force.

The coach also addressed Lamine Yamal, noting that the youngster trained normally and has shown clear improvement. The plan is to monitor him daily and give him time to continue developing without rushing or pressuring him.

Regarding Yamal’s potential surgery, Flick ruled it out for the time being, stating there is no need for operative intervention at the moment.

On the team’s recent form, Flick highlighted progress against Elche, with Lewandowski physically ready to contribute. Barça possess high-quality depth, and the focus remains on consistency and concentration to regain full strength.

Flick did not confirm whether Lewandowski will start, saying there are many options and the best XI will be chosen according to match conditions.

As for differences from last season, Flick acknowledged changes and injuries that affected balance but stressed ongoing improvement and the return of injured players will help reset the team’s strength.

The squad list for Barça ahead of the Brugge clash features a mix of returning names and ongoing absences, with the coach reiterating options and adaptability as the key to selection.

Barcelona’s Champions League campaign so far includes a 2-1 win over Newcastle United, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and a commanding 6-1 victory over Olympiakos, illustrating a campaign of highs and lows as they chase stability.

Rafinha remains unavailable for Brugge, and there is cautious optimism that he could travel with the squad to Vigo for a potential comeback, depending on his recovery timeline.

Rafinha’s return date remains undetermined, with the medical staff continuing to manage his rehabilitation as the team monitors progress from training to match readiness.

Sniper punchline 1: If patience were a striker, it would be on the shelf with Rafinha—quietly rehabbing, still waiting for that breakthrough goal. Sniper punchline 2: Barça’s defense is so well-organized that even the ball asks for a permit before crossing the line.