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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Yamal left out of Barcelona squad</li><li>Winger suspended for Copa del Rey clash</li><li>Barca face fourth-tier Barbastro</li></ul>

Explained: Bizarre reason Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal is banned from playing in Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro

LaLiga

Celta Vigo

Barcelona

The 16-year-old would likely have been given the nod to feature against the fourth-tier team in Aragon but was not eligible to feature for Xavi's team. The Spain international is currently serving a suspension after being sent off in last year's Copa del Rey Junior, with the ban carrying on to the current term for the senior competition. He will also miss their next Copa del Rey match.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barca boss Xavi told the press that he was aware of the youngster's ban, telling reporters: "We know that Lamine Yamal got a red card in the Copa Del Rey [Junior] and will be suspended for two games."

WHAT XAVI SAID

Yamal has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/barcelona-player-of-the-season-2023-24-power-rankings/blt900d89ba5e0058f5" target="_blank">impressed since breaking into the Barcelona senior team</a>. He has scored one goal and provided two assists in 25 appearances for the Catalan club in all competitions. He has also <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/spain-starboy-lamine-yamal-cyprus/bltd7a1ddabf371079e#cs36fe8383d90e5d0b" target="_blank">earned a place in the Spain team</a>, playing four times and scoring two goals.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Yamal will hope to be back in the Barcelona squad when his team take on Osasuna in the Supercopa de Espana on January 11. They will then take on Real Betis in La Liga on January 21.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Explained: Bizarre reason Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal is banned from playing in Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro | Goal.com English Saudi Arabia

Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal was absent from Xavi&apos;s squad for their Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro as he is serving an unusual suspension.