THE FUSE

Speaking to the media ahead of Monday's La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano, the German tactician was quick to dismiss any long-term worries about the teenager's trajectory. "I know everyone is worried about how is Lamine, how is he doing. And of course, look at his situation, he played a World Cup after a huge injury," Flick told reporters. "Now he's coming back after three weeks holiday... and also the first game maybe was not his best game. But I said this, I was very happy that he starts the game and he worked for the team."