HANSI FLICK blasted the Spanish national side as he revealed Lamine Yamal is a doubt for Barcelona’s Champions League clash at Newcastle on Thursday.
Winger Yamal has racked up 23 caps by the age of 18, and Barca boss Flick fears it may lead to burn-out.
He started in World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey this month despite a groin injury.
And Flick said: “Lamine goes to the national team with pain, didn’t train and had painkillers to play.
“They were three goals up in every match and he played 79 and 73 minutes.
“Between the matches, he didn’t train. This is not taking care of players.
“Spain have the best team in the world and in every position they are unbelievably good.
“So I am really sad about this.”
The forward did not take part in Barcelona’s first-team training on Saturday because of the groin injury and missed out on Sunday’s league game against Valencia which Barcelona won by 6-0.
On the Champions League game itself Newcastle could not have asked for a more appetising opener.
Eddie Howe will hope that his side can replicate their memorable 3-2 win at St James’ Park in the Champions League in 1997 thanks to a hat-trick from Faustino Asprilla.
It will be the fifth competitive meeting between the two clubs and the first since 2003.
SunSport understand that Newcastle had scouts in Spain to watch Barcelona’s win against Valencia as they leave no stone unturned to get a win.
The Magpies failed to qualify out of the group the last time they played in the Champions League and are determined to get it right this time around.
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