Barcelona are set to hold high-level talks with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to resolve the feud over Lamine Yamal's injury. The move follows manager Hansi Flick's public criticism of Spain for playing the teenager while he was carrying an injury, which has now ruled him out of key club fixtures including this week's Champions League clash.
BALLGM runs through the best and worst of British players plying their trade on foreign soil. Now more than ever, British players are finding that the grass can be greener elsewhere. The lure of the Premier League remains grand, but it's not the be-all and end-all. In fact, some of the home nations' biggest stars have decided to take their talents abroad to the mainland continent and beyond.
The Croatian is still producing midfield masterclasses at 40 years of age, while the egalitarian environment at Barcelona is reaping rewards
After starring with two goals in Barcelona's 6-0 thrashing of Valencia, Fermin Lopez has insisted he "never had any doubts" about rejecting a summer move to Chelsea. The Premier League side made an attempt to sign the midfielder but he was convinced to stay as the club stood firm on their €90 million (£78m/$106m) valuation for the Spanish international.
The reasons for Raphinha being unexpectedly dropped by Barcelona for their La Liga clash with Valencia have been revealed. Hansi Flick removed the Brazilian forward from his starting XI, with the South American - who fills the captain’s armband for the Blaugrana - being punished for off-field misdemeanours that left his demanding German coach frustrated.
Barcelona ran riot against Valencia as they defeated their domestic rivals 6-0 in La Liga on Sunday. Coach Hansi Flick praised the team's performance, highlighting winger Roony Bardghji's mentality as he dropped Raphinha and gave the Swedish winger a start ahead of Raphinha, who was reportedly dropped as a disciplinary measure after arriving late for a pre-match activation session.
Fermin Lopez stole the day while Raphinha and Robert Lewandoswki struck a devastating brace off the bench each to brush aside Valencia 6-0, as Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga. La Blaugrana put on a true five-star display as the visitors were put to the sword.
The Spanish football federation has hit back at Barcelona after Hansi Flick accused the national team of ignoring the possibility of Lamine Yamal suffering a potential injury. The teenager will not be available for the game against Valencia, which made Flick furious. However, the Spanish FA has clarified that they conducted all medical checks on Yamal.
Barcelona received a boost ahead of their Champions League opener as Hansi Flick’s suspension was overturned, clearing him for the Newcastle game.
