Lamine Yamal injury rules Barcelona star out for rest of season

FC Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring injury in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo.

The Spain international appeared to pull his hamstring shortly after converting a penalty in the 40th minute. FC Barcelona later confirmed that medical tests had identified an injury to the biceps femoris muscle in his left leg.

“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 for the World Cup.”

The 17-year-old will therefore be unavailable for Barcelona’s final six LaLiga matches of the campaign. Despite losing their leading attacking player, the club remain nine points clear at the top of the standings.

Yamal has played a central role in Barcelona’s season and has created more goals than any other player in the division, with 11 LaLiga assists so far.

The teenager addressed supporters on Instagram after the diagnosis was announced, acknowledging the disappointment of being sidelined at a crucial stage of the season.

“This injury is keeping me off the pitch just when I wanted to be there the most, and it hurts more than I can put into words.

“It hurts not to be able to fight alongside my teammates, not to be able to help when the team needs me. But I believe in them and I know they’ll give their all in every match.

“I’ll be there, even if it’s from the sidelines, supporting, cheering and pushing them on just like one of the boys.

“This isn’t the end, it’s just a break. I’ll come back stronger, more eager than ever, and next season will be better.

“Thanks for the messages and Visca el Barca.”

Barcelona now face the closing weeks of their campaign without a player who has been one of their most influential performers. Yamal’s absence removes both his direct contribution in the final third and his ability to create chances for his team-mates, although the club’s substantial advantage at the top of LaLiga means they remain in a strong position.

His recovery will also be monitored with the World Cup in mind. FC Barcelona said he is expected to be available for the tournament, while his immediate treatment will remain conservative as he begins his rehabilitation.

The injury occurred during a 1-0 win that kept Barcelona’s title challenge on course. Yamal’s penalty proved decisive against Celta Vigo before he was forced to leave the pitch with the problem that has now ended his domestic season.