Lamine Yamal facing race to be fit for World Cup after injury blow

FootballSports
23 Apr 2026 • 6:10 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Lamine Yamal facing race to be fit for World Cup after injury blow

  • Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal sustained a hamstring injury after scoring a penalty in his club's 1-0 La Liga victory against Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
  • The 18-year-old confidently dispatched his 40th-minute penalty but immediately clutched his left leg in celebration and was subsequently substituted.
  • While the exact severity is unconfirmed, early reports from Spanish media suggest a tear in his left hamstring, potentially sidelining him for at least five weeks.
  • This injury puts Yamal's participation in crucial upcoming La Liga matches, including El Clasico, at risk.
  • There are also concerns that the injury could jeopardise his availability for the upcoming World Cup, although a five-week recovery would allow him to be fit for Spain's opening game on 15 June against Cape Verde.

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