April 23, (THEWILL) — Barcelona teenage forward, Lamine Yamal, is facing a potential race against time to be fit for the 2026 World Cup after suffering a suspected hamstring injury in the club’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo at Camp Nou on Wednesday night.
Yamal converted a penalty he had won to settle the match but immediately clutched at his leg and fell to the ground without celebrating. He signalled to the bench, hobbled off before halftime, and was seen visibly distressed before disappearing down the tunnel. Further medical tests were due on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury.
The 18-year-old had been in exceptional form this season, scoring 16 La Liga goals, with only David Villa’s 18 in 2010-11 bettering that tally for a Spanish player at Barcelona in a single league campaign since the turn of the century. His club hold a nine-point lead over Real Madrid with six matches remaining, but the prospect of losing their standout performer will concern Hansi Flick regardless of the title’s destination.
The Barcelona manager reserved judgement pending Thursday’s test results. “We have to wait until tomorrow,” Flick said. “We have to see what it is. I think it’s something, because he felt it and I think also after a goal he wouldn’t have left the pitch without a reason. Of course, it’s a pity that Lamine is injured now.”
Gavi was candid about the blow to Barcelona and to his close friend. “To me Lamine is the best,” the midfielder said. “Of course, for us it’s a s— situation, because he’s a very important player for us. He was very upset here in the dressing room because he knows how crucial he is for us. I don’t know how long the injury will take but I hope it’s as short as possible.” Spain open their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde in 54 days, with Yamal having been considered a certainty to feature from the first match.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
