Barcelona have had too much experience with young players struggling with injuries, and with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal threatening to be the best yet, making sure his body is protected is a question of status for the Blaugrana.
Both Ansu Fati and Pedri burst onto the scene as teenagers, and after picking up chronic muscle problems, they haven't been the same since. Meanwhile, Gavi is currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament problem, and there is no guarantee that he will return to the same form.
As a result, Barcelona have implemented plans to combat the problem with Lamine Yamal. Barcelona agreed with Spain that he will play only one full match apart from Spain's two friendlies against Colombia and Brazil. Also, unless Lamine Yamal demands to go to the Olympics, he will only play the Euros this summer in Germany.
Sport say that Lamine Yamal grew 10cm in the last 12 months, and put on 7kg in weight, most of which muscle mass. Both are evidence of his continuous development, and the fact that his plan is seeing results. They also intend to keep their minutes under control, even if their performances demand more.
With the return from injury of Raphinha and Ferran Torres, Xavi Hernandez will be able to do so. Yamal plates went on an eight-game hitting streak spanning February and March, playing most of those games as well. There were rumors that he suffered knee discomfort during that time, but that seems to be behind him.
