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Yamal concern and a first-of-its-kind selection issue: uncertainty at Barcelona before the Valencia clash

Will this be the first real test of rotation?

Hansi Flick has still not revealed his Barcelona starting line-up for the match against Valencia. The final training session before the game produced a surprise involving Lamine Yamal, while the German coach is also preparing to make several alterations at the start of a demanding week spanning La Liga and the Champions League.

Lamine Yamal creates uncertainty

Lamine Yamal did not take part in Barcelona's final training session before the Valencia game, according to a report by Sport. It came as a major surprise. Twenty-three players were involved in the session, including Gavi, Gabriel Jesus and Dominik Livakovic, while the Barcelona youngster worked separately from the group.

Flick explained that Yamal had picked up a knock in the recent period, which is why the coaching staff decided he should train away from the main group. He confirmed that Yamal would travel with the squad to Valencia, although the final call on whether he will feature is yet to be made.

The player wants to play the match and does not enjoy training alone, Flick said, adding that he is in a very good place in terms of his level, mentality and morale. He also praised the winger's performance in the previous match.

In Flick's view, playing is better for Yamal than training, but the coach underlined that it remains to be seen whether the youngster will start the match or be rested.

An unexpected issue: worry and oppressive heat

Sport added: "This is an unexpected obstacle for the German coach. Therefore, we imagine he feels some concern. Yamal, who was selected among the candidates for the captain's role, will play that match at Mestalla, which will take place in suffocating heat, and he is being handled with the greatest possible care."

The report continued: "This is, of course, a problem for both teams, but it must be taken very seriously. The temperature at Valencia's stadium is expected to be around 34 degrees Celsius at kick-off. It is a very bad idea, and we are still in the height of summer, for the match to be scheduled at the hottest part of the day."

Flick looks to his bench: an unprecedented situation

Barcelona have travelled to Valencia with 24 players, with Flick taking every available option and postponing his final decision on who will be left out until kick-off. One player from the squad will have to watch the match from the stands.

It is the first time Flick has had to deal with this situation this season, with Gavi returning from injury and Gabriel Jesus once again available for selection.

The squad has also included Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic for the first time. He is expected to become the second-choice goalkeeper.

A hectic week: trying to pull clear of Real Madrid

Sport confirmed: "There will be changes, and Flick will use the reserve players in a week that features two matches: the Champions League opener against Feyenoord, and Valencia, which is also a hugely important fixture for creating an early points gap over Real Madrid this season."

The report concluded: "Real Madrid's slip at the Villamarin stadium gives Barcelona the opportunity to move three points clear of their bitter rivals for the first time. In that way, a victory at Mestalla would ensure that Flick's team end the fourth round as outright leaders. More importantly, it would preserve the excellent form the team has shown since the start of the season. It is essential now to keep moving forward with confidence."