Another blow for Barcelona after Lamine Yamal is diagnosed with condition that had also affected Lionel Messi

Barcelona are dealing with another setback after their 1-2 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Real Madrid in the season’s first ‘El Clasico’, with star forward Lamine Yamal reportedly suffering from a painful condition which has no cure.

Yamal has had his fair share of fitness-related issues this season, having missed several games due to a groin injury with the 18-year-old also seen grimacing with pain during the Clasico defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Spanish capital.

Yamal suffering from pubalgia

According to sport.es, Yamal is suffering from pubalgia – a condition that causes muscles to converge in the pubic area, which may be chronic with no cure.

And the teenager isn’t the only Barca star to suffer from the condition, with the legendary Lionel Messi having admitted to dealing with the condition during his 17-year spell with the Catalan club.

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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick claimed that while Yamal is generally “doing good”, there are days when he feels “some pain”.

“Lamine is good,” Flick told reporters ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming league meeting at home. “I just spoke with him. He’s doing good. Of course he has some days where he maybe feels some pain, but he really works hard; he improves a lot about these things.

“I think he’s on a good evolution, so this is what we can say,” he added.

Flick keen on letting teen star play at his preferred position

Despite his groin troubles, Yamal has scored two goals and delivered five assists in six league appearances this season is expected to feature in Sunday’s game against Elche at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, despite not being 100 per cent fit at the moment.

And after being moved to a more central position against Madrid, Flick felt that letting him play on the right wing – his preferred role – was key to getting the best out of him.

“At the moment, best way to come back to the best level is to play in the position you normally play, where you have strengths and can give your best for the team,” the German continued.

“Of course, in some situations, matches, it is also good when not only playing outside, but also inside in the half space. He’s able to manage everything. He is a a great, fatalistic football player and can also play different positions.

“For him, the most important thing is that he touches the ball. This is his strength. When he has the ball, he can create good things for us. This is what we want to see,” he added.