Barcelona left teenage winger Lamine Yamal out of their starting XI for the Spanish Supercopa semi-final clash with Athletic Club, with the decision explained ahead of kick-off.
Yamal was named on the bench for the contest in Saudi Arabia as Barca looked to book a place in the final, despite the youngster becoming a regular presence in Xavi’s line-ups this season.
The main reason for his omission was fitness. The 16-year-old had been managing a problem in the build-up to the game and was not deemed ready to start, with the club opting to protect him and avoid taking any risks.
Barcelona’s staff felt it was the right call to keep Yamal as an option for later in the match rather than push him from the first whistle, especially with a demanding schedule and a final at stake.
Yamal’s absence from the XI meant Xavi reshuffled his attacking options, while the winger waited on the sidelines to see if he would be called upon during the semi-final.
