da cassino: Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal was absent from Xavi's squad for their Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro as he is serving an unusual suspension.
da doce: Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Yamal left out of Barcelona squadWinger suspended for Copa del Rey clashBarca face fourth-tier BarbastroWHAT HAPPENED?
The 16-year-old would likely have been given the nod to feature against the fourth-tier team in Aragon but was not eligible to feature for Xavi's team. The Spain international is currently serving a suspension after being sent off in last year's Copa del Rey Junior, with the ban carrying on to the current term for the senior competition. He will also miss their next Copa del Rey match.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT XAVI SAID
Barca boss Xavi told the press that he was aware of the youngster's ban, telling reporters: "We know that Lamine Yamal got a red card in the Copa Del Rey [Junior] and will be suspended for two games."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Yamal has impressed since breaking into the Barcelona senior team. He has scored one goal and provided two assists in 25 appearances for the Catalan club in all competitions. He has also earned a place in the Spain team, playing four times and scoring two goals.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
Yamal will hope to be back in the Barcelona squad when his team take on Osasuna in the Supercopa de Espana on January 11. They will then take on Real Betis in La Liga on January 21.