Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, appears to have revealed Lamine Yamal's return date during a pre-award interview at the Ballon d'Or. 

Laporta led a delegation of Barcelona players and staff to the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris for the Ballon d'Or gala. 

It was a hugely successful night for the club as Barcelona players and La Masia graduates picked up both the men's and women's Kopa Trophies (Lamine Yamal and Vicky Lopez), and star midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d'Or for a third consecutive year.

While they had a successful night, Barcelona also lost out on key awards like Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, and most prominently, the men's Ballon d'Or, with Yamal coming second to Ousmane Dembele.

Ahead of the event, Laporta was asked about Yamal's chances, and he hailed the teenager's demeanour. Yamal has missed the last three games due to injury, and the Barcelona president suggested he could be back for their LALIGA clash this weekend. 

“I see Lamine with restrained enthusiasm, surrounded by his friends and teammates who are also contenders for the title, like Raphinha,” he said, per Football Espana. 

“I like the way he approaches these events. He’s currently injured with that damn back pain. He said he might be fine for Real Sociedad. He looks very excited. It would be historic [for him to win].” 

The 18-year-old suffered an injury during the international break and has missed two LALIGA games, including the Champions League opening fixture against Newcastle.

Barcelona's initial medical announcement revealed that he had pain in his groin and has begun treatment. Additional reports from Spain revealed that he also suffered from back pain. 

He is expected to miss the LALIGA clash against Real Oviedo on Thursday. However, as Laporta has said, it is likely he returns this weekend against La Reale.