Barcelona could be without their most influential young attacker after Lamine Yamal suffered a suspected hamstring injury during Wednesday’s La Liga clash against Celta Vigo, raising immediate concern for both club and country.
The 18-year-old forward is believed to have sustained a torn hamstring, according to initial reports from club sources, although a full medical assessment is still pending pending scans scheduled for Thursday.
Yamal had a decisive impact on the match, winning and converting a penalty in the 40th minute to put Barcelona ahead. However, the celebration quickly turned into concern as he immediately went down clutching his left hamstring after the goal.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed after the match that the situation does not look minor, but stressed that the club is awaiting medical clarity. “We have to wait and see what it is. There is something. He felt it. After the goal, he would not leave the pitch without reason,” Flick said.
He added that while the exact severity is still unknown, early signs suggest an issue that will require careful evaluation. “Hopefully it’s not so bad, but we have to wait until tomorrow,” he noted.
Teammate Pedri also expressed concern, hoping the injury is not long-term. “Hopefully Lamine will only miss a few weeks. He needs to remain calm because he’s young and will surely recover well,” he said.
Despite the setback, Yamal’s goal proved decisive as Barcelona secured a 1–0 win, strengthening their grip on the La Liga title race with a nine-point lead over Real Madrid.
The bigger worry now extends beyond club football, with the injury potentially affecting Spain’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Spain are scheduled to face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay in their Group H fixtures in June, with Yamal expected to play a key role following his breakthrough performances for the national team.
The winger has already scored 16 league goals in 28 La Liga appearances this season and 24 in all competitions, underlining his rapid rise as one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
Having played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, Yamal’s fitness is now a major concern for both Barcelona and the national team, as they await the results of his medical scans.
