Injury Blow as Lamine Yamal Ruled Out Until World Cup
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has suffered a hamstring injury to his left leg, though the Spanish club says the teenage sensation is expected to recover in time for the 2025 FIFA World Cup, which opens on June 11.
The club confirmed the injury on Thursday following medical tests. “Tests have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg,” Barcelona said in an official statement. “The player will undergo conservative treatment. Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of the season and is expected to be available for the World Cup.”
The injury occurred during Barcelona’s 1-0 La Liga victory over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, in which Yamal played a decisive role before being forced off. The 17-year-old won and converted a penalty to seal the narrow home win, but pulled up immediately after beating goalkeeper Ionut Radu with a low spot-kick. He lay on the turf calling for medical attention as team-mates gathered to celebrate, before being replaced by Roony Bardghji.
Despite the injury scare, Barcelona’s evening ended positively. The result extended their lead at the summit of La Liga to nine points above Real Madrid, with six matches remaining in the season — including a high-stakes Clasico fixture on May 10.
For Spain, the timing of Yamal’s setback will command close attention from the national team’s technical staff, even if the prognosis is cautiously optimistic. The defending European champions open their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde on June 15, before meeting Saudi Arabia on June 21 and rounding off pool play against Uruguay on June 27. The tournament runs through to July 19.
Yamal has been a standout figure for Spain since making his senior international debut in 2023, amassing six goals across 25 appearances for the national side. His performances at Euro 2024 announced him as one of world football’s most compelling young talents, and his availability for the World Cup will be considered critical to Spain’s title ambitions.
Whether he returns to full match fitness with sufficient time to hit top form before the tournament’s opening week remains the key question hanging over both club and country.
AFP