Lamine Yamal: Barcelona star ruled out for rest of the season - but expected to return for World Cup
Updated 23/04/2026 at 14:57 GMT+1
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Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of Barcelona's season because of a hamstring injury but he is expected to be fit in time to play for Spain at the World Cup.
‘He would not leave the pitch without a reason’ – Flick gives update on Yamal injury
Video credit: SNTV
The 18-year-old forward was forced off after injuring himself scoring a penalty during a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday night.
Barcelona said Yamal will "follow a conservative treatment plan" as he looks to recover in time for the start of the World Cup in June.
The Ballon d'Or runner-up limped off the pitch against Celta at Camp Nou and went straight down the tunnel, accompanied by team doctors.
"We have to wait," Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said after the match.
"We have to see what it is. I think there's something, because he felt it and after the goal he would not leave the pitch without a reason. Hopefully, it's not so bad."
Barcelona midfielder Pedri added: "I hope [his injury] is for as few weeks as possible. He'll be tested and we'll see what it is.
"I wish him the best of luck, and he should stay calm - he's young and will surely recover well."
Yamal has scored 24 goals and registered 16 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions this season.
He has helped Barcelona to a nine-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with six games remaining but he will now miss El Clasico on May 10.
Flick will hope his players can get over the line without Yamal, who had a spell out earlier in the season after suffering from pubalgia.
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Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, meanwhile, will be sweating on the fitness of one of his key players.
Aged 16, Yamal played a big part in his country's Euro 2024 success. He was named the young player of the tournament after getting four assists and scoring a superb goal in a semi-final victory over France.
Spain's World Cup campaign begins in 54 days when they face Cape Verde in Group H on June 15, before games against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Yamal has already been capped 25 times since making his debut against Georgia in 2023.
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