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Why Is Lamine Yamal Not Playing Tonight for Barcelona vs. Slavia Prague?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 1:58 PM ET

FC Barcelona returns to Champions League action tonight in an away game against Slavia Prague. This is Barcelona's seventh Champions League match of the season, and it will need points to pursue a top 8 position.

Over the weekend, Barcelona suffered their first loss after 11 consecutive wins across all competitions. Barcelona lost 2-1 to Real Sociedad away from home in La Liga.

Barcelona were without key players like Raphinha, who suffered a slight discomfort, but the Brazilian is back in the squad for the Champions League match against Slavia Prague tonight.

The team will once again be without a key attacking player as Lamine Yamal is not in the squad for the match tonight. FC Barcelona announced their squad list for the match against Slavia Prague, and Yamal was not included.

The squad called up to travel to Prague! ✈️ pic.twitter.com/8WbijGSyaQ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 20, 2026

Yamal played the full match against Real Sociedad over the weekend, where he provided an assist for Marcus Rashford's goal.

Lamine Yamal right winger of Barcelona and Spain and Sergio Gomez left-back of Real Sociedad and Spain compete for the ball during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona.

Reason for Lamine Yamal's Absence in Barcelona vs. Slavia Prague

Lamine Yamal is not injured and is fit enough to play the match, but the player is facing a one-match suspension in the Champions League.

In Barcelona's previous Champions League match, Yamal picked up a yellow card against Eintracht Frankfurt. It was Yamal's third yellow card in the Champions League this season, which led to him getting a one-match ban.

Yamal is expected to play in Barcelona's final first-stage Champions League game against FC Copenhagen next week at the Camp Nou.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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