Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal out of season with hamstring injury

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been ruled out of the rest of the season after picking up a hamstring injury.

Yamal, 18, is however expected to be fit for the upcoming World Cup.

Barcelona said in a statement on Thursday: “Tests have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg.

“The player will undergo conservative treatment. Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of the season and is expected to be available for the World Cup.”

Spain open their campaign in Group H against Cape Verde on June 15 before taking on Saudi Arabia on June 21 and finishing their pool play against Uruguay six days later.

Yamal picked up the injury in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo in LaLiga game on Wednesday.

The teenage Spain star, who has scored six goals in 25 appearances for the national side since making his debut in 2023, won and converted a penalty to clinch a narrow home triumph.

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But after beating Ionut Radu with a low penalty, Yamal pulled up hurt immediately, calling for treatment and lying on the turf as his teammates came over to celebrate.

The right winger was replaced by Roony Bardghji.

Barcelona’s win moved them nine points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table with six matches remaining, including a Clasico on May 10.

Yamal is the club’s leading scorer with 24 goals this season despite missing games in September and October with a groin issue.

He was an integral part of Spain’s triumphant side at Euro 2024, and earlier this week spoke about his excitement for the World Cup.

“Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve dreamed of playing in a World Cup, of seeing my mum in the stands, of representing the national team,” Yamal said at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

“These two months will seem very short to me and I hope we’ll finish as champions.”

Yamal joins a list of several key Spain internationals sidelined or edging their way back to full fitness, including Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, and Nico Williams.

However, the 18-year-old could be rested at the start of the tournament given the significant risk of aggravating the injury.