Barcelona issue update on Lamine Yamal's World Cup chances after nightmare injury

Jack Otway
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:33:06 +0000

Barcelona have confirmed that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sustained a hamstring injury affecting the biceps femoris muscle in his left leg during Wednesday evening's fixture with Celta Vigo.

The Catalan club announced on Thursday afternoon that the 18-year-old will be sidelined for the remainder of the domestic campaign following medical examinations.

In their official statement, Barcelona said: "The tests carried out have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg (biceps femoris muscle).

"The player will follow a conservative treatment plan."

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Crucially for Spain's World Cup ambitions, the club added that Yamal "is expected to be available for the World Cup."

The injury occurred at the Nou Camp as Barcelona secured a narrow victory against Celta Vigo, with the young forward going down clutching his left hamstring after converting from the penalty spot during the opening period.

Concern spread rapidly across Spain with the World Cup now less than two months away, given Yamal's pivotal contribution to the national team's European Championship success last summer.

Medical personnel rushed to attend to the teenager on the pitch before manager Hansi Flick withdrew him from the match, bringing on Roony Bardghji as his replacement.

Despite the setback, Yamal managed to leave the field under his own power.

Spain's opening World Cup fixture against Cape Verde falls on 15 June, providing roughly eight weeks for the forward to complete his rehabilitation programme.

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Luis de la Fuente's side will also face Uruguay and Saudi Arabia during the group stage of the tournament.

Fellow Barcelona midfielder Pedri offered words of encouragement following Wednesday's match, stating: "I hope Lamine misses the fewest possible amount of time.

"He'll undergo the tests tomorrow and we'll see the nature of the issue.

"I wish him all the best, and that he stays calm because he's still young."

The teenager played an instrumental role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.

Yamal has enjoyed a remarkable campaign despite the injury blow, registering 24 goals alongside 17 assists across 44 appearances in all competitions this term.

The forward had previously been troubled by groin problems throughout the season, though this latest setback appears to be an entirely separate issue.

Spanish outlet Diario AS initially suggested the injury could be a muscle tear, with recovery times for such damage varying considerably depending on severity.

Grade one tears typically require only days of rest, whilst grade two injuries generally need around three weeks, and the most serious grade three tears can sideline players for three months or longer.