Barcelona can clinch La Liga as Raphinha and Marc Bernal near returns while Lamine Yamal is ruled out
Barcelona could seal the La Liga title next weekend if they beat Osasuna and Real Madrid fail to defeat Espanyol, with the club juggling injury setbacks and timely recoveries. Barcelona’s hopes of an early coronation are tempered by the loss of Lamine Yamal for the remainder of the season, but the imminent returns of Raphinha and Marc Bernal offer Hansi Flick fresh options. (si.com)
Title chance in Pamplona
Barcelona can mathematically wrap up the 2025–26 La Liga crown as early as the coming round if results fall their way, making the trip to El Sadar — traditionally a difficult venue — potentially decisive. The Catalans will travel to Pamplona needing a win to put pressure on Real Madrid, while also risking a repeat of last season’s uncomfortable encounter there. (si.com)
Osasuna at home have proven a stubborn opponent under Diego Martínez, and Pamplona’s atmosphere has delivered surprising results against the top sides this season. Flick must prepare his squad for a hostile setting where margins are small and an early title celebration is far from guaranteed. (espn.com)
Yamal injury confirmed and season over
Barcelona confirmed that teenager Lamine Yamal has suffered a hamstring tear and will miss the remainder of the club campaign, a significant blow to Flick’s attacking plans. The club’s medical reports and subsequent coverage make clear that Yamal will be sidelined for the final La Liga fixtures, removing one of Barcelona’s most dynamic forward options from the run-in. (football-espana.net)
The timing of Yamal’s injury complicates rotation and squad balance, particularly with the Champions League and domestic priorities still active for the club. Although the focus is now on recovery and rehabilitation with an eye on the summer international calendar, Barcelona will have to manage without his direct contributions through the rest of the season. (football-espana.net)
Raphinha closing in on group training
Raphinha, who sustained a right hamstring injury on international duty in late March, is reported to be nearing a return to full group work after a period of rehabilitation. The club and media assessments have indicated a five-week lay-off initially, but recent updates suggest the Brazil winger could be cleared for collective training this week, which would restore a key attacking option. (football-espana.net)
If Raphinha earns medical clearance ahead of the Osasuna trip, his presence will significantly ease the burden left by Yamal’s absence. His pace and ability to stretch defenses give Flick a proven outlet down the left, while also offering tactical flexibility across the front three. (football-espana.net)
Marc Bernal’s return strengthens midfield depth
Teenager Marc Bernal has progressed through rehabilitation after a sprained ankle and is reported to be back in or imminently returning to group sessions, providing another boost to Barcelona’s available roster. Bernal’s reintegration follows an extended spell out earlier in the season and adds a youthful defensive midfield option at a time when squad rotation will be important. (fcbarcelona.com)
Although Bernal’s return is timely, the teenager faces competition for minutes from established first-team figures who have filled the midfield roles while he was absent. His path to regular starts will depend on match-by-match form, tactical fit and the manager’s appetite for rotation over the final fixtures. (rotowire.com)
How Flick may reshape his starting XI
Flick’s immediate selection decisions will reflect both the roster constraints and the need to secure three points in Pamplona, where a conservative but incisive approach is often rewarded. With Yamal unavailable, Raphinha’s potential fitness for the weekend could see him slide into the left flank he has occupied this season, restoring a preferred balance in the back line of attack. (football-espana.net)
In the absence of Yamal, other attackers have stepped up in recent matches, and Bernal’s midfield options mean Flick can consider fresh rotation to protect key players ahead of the season’s climax. Decisions over whether to start with a compact midfield or push for width will hinge on fitness checks in the final training sessions before the match. (rotowire.com)
Context from last season and Osasuna’s threat
A quick reminder of the danger awaiting Barcelona in Pamplona: Osasuna delivered a memorable 4-2 victory over Barcelona at El Sadar in the 2024–25 league campaign, showing how the fixture can produce shocks. That result is a recent precedent that underlines the necessity of a focused, disciplined performance from the visitors. (espn.com)
Osasuna’s compact shape and opportunistic counterattacks will test Barcelona’s transition defense and patience on the ball, especially if the Catalans are compelled to chase an early goal to keep title calculations in their favour. Tactical flexibility and clinical finishing are likely to determine the outcome. (espn.com)
What the returns mean for the title race
The prospect of Raphinha and Bernal returning to training ahead of a crucial weekend gives Barcelona an important lift as they chase the La Liga title, but the mathematics still depend on results elsewhere. Real Madrid’s fixture against Espanyol and other concurrent results will decide whether Barcelona can be crowned early, so the club must deliver under pressure both on and off the pitch. (si.com)
Even if the title is not secured in Pamplona, the potential additions to the matchday squad alleviate depth concerns and provide Flick with more options in the last league matches and any remaining cup commitments. Barcelona’s ability to manage minutes and preserve players for key clashes will be central to maintaining momentum into May. (si.com)
As Barcelona prepare for a high-stakes trip to Osasuna, the club faces a blend of opportunity and caution: a possible early title, the absence of Lamine Yamal, and the near-return of two players who could shape the final run-in.
