An expert insight into the injury absence of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has on Tuesday come to the fore online.
Wide-man Lamine was of course forced to sit out once more this weekend, as Barcelona marked their post-international break return to action against Celta Vigo.
The 17-year-old suffered an ankle injury prior to the break, which also saw him miss Barca’s defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Hansi Flick revealed his hope that Lamine will be available for selection this weekend, against Las Palmas.
This afternoon, though, an insight into the delicate nature of the attacker’s problem, and why maximum caution will be excercised by the Blaugrana medical staff, has been provided.
Speaking during an interview with Diario Sport, expert osteopath and podiatrist Alejandro Bayo highlighted the case of Frenkie de Jong as the ideal example of why syndesmosis problems can be so complex:
“Syndesmosis is a fairly complex anatomical structure. It is part of the high ankle ligament complex, between the tibia and fibula. It has three ligaments: tibiofibular, closer to the front of the ankle. It seems to be the grade I injury that Lamine has, which would affect this ligament. Then there is the posterior one, in the back, and the interosseous, between the tibia and fibula.
“It is a complex injury because this structure is essential for the stability of the ankle. Through the load, the movement of the ankle makes a rotation and they make that stable. 35-40% of ankle stability corresponds to syndesmosis. The injury factor is different. Although ankle sprains can be affected, it is a different mechanism. The most classic injury is when the foot goes inwards and in syndesmosis it is a foot that is very well on the ground, but there is a rotation. There can be with or without instability. If it has stability, it means that the internal ligament is inactive. If there is instability, it is because the internal ligament may be affected.
“In a stable type one injury, treatment is conservative and is around three to six weeks. Depending on how it is repaired. It will depend on the involvement of the ligament.
“As we have had the experience with Frenkie de Jong, who had syndesmosis (it was not revealed what degree it was), I think they are being more cautious. They will wait until the player is 100%. Looking ahead to Saturday, it could be just right, we’ll see what is decided, but it’s logical that there is maximum caution.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
