Barcelona returns Yamal for crucial Champions League PSG clash

Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal is set to face a major challenge against Paris Saint-Germain's top left-back Nuno Mendes in an upcoming Champions League match, where PSG will be missing key players including Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele due to injury. Yamal, who nearly became the youngest Ballon d'Or winner at 18, returned from a groin injury to make a significant impact in La Liga, assisting a winning goal shortly after coming on. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick recognizes Yamal's exceptional talent but emphasizes the need for continued hard work, especially defensively, as Barcelona looks to overcome PSG, a team that has previously eliminated them in recent Champions League rounds. Despite Barcelona's recent struggles when Yamal was absent, the team has shown improvement, winning consecutive games even without him before his return. PSG's Achraf Hakimi has publicly acknowledged Nuno Mendes as the best left-back Yamal will face, highlighting the formidable defensive challenge ahead. The match is highly anticipated as a key test for Barcelona’s ambitions to reclaim Champions League glory, which they have not won since 2015.