Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal to Miss Rest of Season; Targets FIFA World Cup 2026 Return
The injury occurred during Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo at the Spotify Camp Nou. Yamal, who scored the decisive penalty in the 40th minute, immediately clutched the back of his left leg and was forced to withdraw before the interval.
FC Barcelona have confirmed that teenage forward Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 domestic season following a hamstring injury sustained on Wednesday night. While the 18-year-old is set to be sidelined for the club's final six La Liga fixtures, medical staff remain optimistic that he will recover in time for Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign this June. La Liga 2025-26: Barcelona Move Nine Points Clear as Lamine Yamal Injury Mars Celta Vigo Victory.
Lamine Yamal Out
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. Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season, and he is expected to be available… pic.twitter.com/8UU4Bg9bDh
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 23, 2026
Injury Occurs During Match-Winning Moment
The injury occurred during Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo at the Spotify Camp Nou. Yamal, who scored the decisive penalty in the 40th minute, immediately clutched the back of his left leg and was forced to withdraw before the interval.
Following scans on Thursday, the club released a statement confirming a muscle tear in his left hamstring. The winger will now undergo a period of "conservative treatment" rather than surgery, which significantly boosts his chances of a timely return for international duty.
Impact on Barcelona’s Title Charge
The loss of Yamal is a blow to manager Hansi Flick, though Barcelona currently hold a commanding nine-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table. Yamal has been a central figure in their campaign, contributing 16 league goals.
With the season concluding on May 24, Flick will have to rely on alternative attacking options like Roony Bardghji or Ferran Torres for the final sprint, including the upcoming El Clásico on May 10. Donald Trump Envoy Proposes Italy Replace Iran in FIFA World Cup 2026: Report.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Hopes Remain Intact
For the Spanish national team, the news provides some relief. The recovery timeline is estimated at approximately five weeks, which aligns with Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15, 2026.
Spain’s coaching staff are reportedly in constant communication with Barcelona’s medical team to monitor Yamal's progress. Provided there are no setbacks in his rehabilitation, the young star is expected to lead "La Roja" in what will be his debut World Cup tournament.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2026 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
