Lamine Yamal And Raphinha Cleared to Return as Barcelona Head Back To Camp Nou

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed on Friday that Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are both fit for Saturday’s LaLiga match against Athletic Bilbao.

Yamal, who missed Spain’s recent World Cup qualifiers due to a recurring groin issue, has been working hard over the past fortnight. Flick praised his dedication: “He worked very hard these two weeks and I’m really happy … with what I see.”

Raphinha, sidelined since September with a hamstring injury, also looks set to make his comeback. Flick added that Marcus Rashford is still a doubt due to a fever.

The game is particularly significant because it marks Barça’s return to the Camp Nou after more than two years of renovation work.

“I think we prefer to play in Camp Nou … when we were at the training and I went up the stairs and reached the pitch it was an unbelievable feeling,” Flick said.

“It can give us a really big push in the match because it’s very close and the fans … know exactly when the team needs this push.”