According to an official announcement from Barca on 23/4, tests confirmed Lamine Yamal sustained a left hamstring injury. The 18-year-old forward will undergo conservative treatment rather than invasive intervention. Barca stated that Yamal will miss the remainder of the La Liga season, ruling him out of upcoming important matches, including El Clasico.

However, a positive sign is that the player is expected to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup, provided the treatment progresses favorably.

After taking a penalty against Celta Vigo on the evening of 22/4, Yamal immediately signaled for a substitution before collapsing on the field, clutching his left thigh. This scene silenced Camp Nou, and Barca's coaching staff promptly made a change. After the match, coach Flick said, "We have to wait for a clear diagnosis. Yamal felt a problem and left the field. We need to know how long he will be out."

Yamal leaves the field due to injury during the La Liga round 33 match against Celta Vigo at Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona, Spain, on the evening of 22/4/2026. *Photo: AP*

Yamal's injury is a significant blow to Barca during a crucial phase of the season, despite their 9-point lead over Real Madrid. The player, born in 2007, is a vital attacking force for the team, known for his ability to create breakthroughs and consistent scoring form. Teammate Gavi admitted, "This is a shock for us, because he is very important."

Sports doctor Pedro Luis Ripoll warned that hamstring injuries carry a high risk. According to him, this type of injury has a recurrence rate of up to 30%, necessitating strict control during the recovery process.

The 2026 World Cup is set to kick off in less than 50 days. This situation concerns not only Barca but also the Spanish national team. Should Yamal require an extended recovery or experience complications, his chance to play in his first World Cup would be jeopardized. According to bookmakers, Yamal ranks fifth for the Golden Boot award, trailing Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi.

Ripoll believes it is too early to confirm the injury's severity but recommends extreme caution during treatment. He noted that national team coaches typically prioritize players in peak physical condition rather than risking those recently returned from easily recurring muscle injuries. Therefore, it is possible Yamal could be a substitute in the friendly match against Peru on 8/6, but he is expected to be ready for the World Cup opener against Cape Verde.

Hoang An (according to Sport, Marca)