FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal out of US Tour

According to a report by MARCA, the club have decided to prioritise the well-being of Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Pedri Gonzalez, who will miss the pre-season matches against Manchester City on July 30, Real Madrid on August 3, and AC Milan on August 6.

The decision to rest the trio, especially 17-year-old Yamal, reflects Barcelona's long-term strategy. Yamal, one of the most promising young talents in European football, is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming season.  Unlike Lionel Messi in his prime, whose presence on pre-season tours was financially significant for the club, Yamal's immediate need is recovery and preparation for the demands of the new season.

Despite Yamal's absence, the tour is still a financial success for Barcelona. The matches in Orlando, New Jersey, and Baltimore are almost sold out, ensuring the club will earn over €12 million from the three games.

The popularity of their fixtures against Manchester City and Real Madrid have driven ticket sales, underscoring the global appeal of the club and the intense interest in these high-profile clashes.

Torres and Yamal will make their first appearances of the summer on August 12 against AS Monaco at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. This match will serve as a final tune-up before Barcelona's La Liga opener against Valencia at the Mestalla on August 17.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez is sidelined with a lateral collateral ligament sprain in his left knee. The injury will keep him out of action until at least mid-August. The club have opted to keep him in Barcelona to focus on his recovery, rather than subject him to the rigours of transatlantic travel.

During the US tour, fans will still have the opportunity to see Barcelona's global stars in action. Ilkay Gundogan, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong are all set to participate. However, De Jong is currently working on his fitness after struggling with a right ankle injury and has yet to resume full training on the pitch.

The decision to rest key players may initially disappoint some fans hoping to see Barcelona's full squad in action during the US tour. However, it highlights the club's commitment to ensuring their players are in peak condition for the forthcoming season.

By carefully managing their stars' workloads, Barcelona aim to maximise their performance across all competitions in what promises to be another demanding and exciting campaign.