EL CLASICO BOOST: BARCELONA PREPARE LAMINE YAMAL COMEBACK STRATEGY
Barcelona has a specific fitness plan for Lamine Yamal to be ready to start against Real Madrid in El Clásico. The plan involves gradual minutes against Girona & Olympiacos to ensure the star winger is fully fit for the crucial clash.
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona is still uncertain about Lamine Yamal's availability for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, which is less than three weeks away from the season's first El Clásico. The 18-year-old's pubis ailment, which he worsened during the September international break, returned after Paris Saint-Germain's loss last week, and it is anticipated that he will miss two to three weeks of action.
Although it would be uncertain if he would be fully fit to start at the Bernabeu, that would mean he gets there in time to play Real Madrid. Barcelona, however, is committed to making sure it can rely on its star attacker while facing its fiercest competitors.
According to the MD, Barcelona has come up with a strategy for Lamine Yamal that they think will enable him to be prepared to start in the El Clásico. To begin with, the plan is for him to play 30 to 45 minutes in the encounter against Girona following the international break to "regain competitive sensations and assess his physical response."
Before playing Real Madrid five days later, Barcelona would like him to start in the Champions League encounter against Olympiacos, playing 60–70 minutes to further hone his match skills.
For El Clásico, Barcelona will also have two additional returns.
Barcelona wants Fermin Lopez and Raphinha to be fully fit for El Clásico in addition to Lamine Yamal. Although both players have had injuries in recent weeks, they are anticipated to return against Girona, so they may employ a similar strategy to guarantee they can start at the Bernabeu.
In order to maintain the stellar play they displayed in the El Clásico last season, Barcelona will obviously need to field their best team when they play Real Madrid.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.