Lamine Yamal to recover in time before 2026 World Cup

Spanish forward of Moroccan descent, Lamine Yamal, is expected to recover from his injury in time before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The FC Barcelona forward sustained a thigh problem during Wednesday’s league clash with Celta Vigo, with early medical assessments pointing toward a muscle tear.

Reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate that initial examinations suggest a recovery period of five to six weeks.

Such a timeline would effectively bring his domestic campaign to a premature end while placing serious doubt over his readiness for the global tournament.

Spain are set to open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde national football team, just days after the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With such a tight schedule, time is not on Yamal’s side.

Further tests are expected to provide a clearer picture of the injury in the coming days.

The incident unfolded late in the first half when Yamal confidently stepped up to win and convert a penalty, giving Barcelona the lead. Moments after scoring, however, he gestured toward the bench before collapsing on the pitch.

There was visible confusion among teammates as medical staff rushed on to assess the situation. The teenager eventually limped off, heading straight down the tunnel in distress, with Roony Bardghji coming on as his replacement.

Barcelona held firm to secure a 1-0 victory, but the result was overshadowed by the loss of one of their most influential players. The Catalan side remain ahead of Real Madrid in the title race, though decisive fixtures still lie ahead, including the highly anticipated El Clásico in May.

Yamal’s impact on Barcelona’s attack this season has been immense, and his absence will test the squad at a crucial stage of the campaign.

For Spain, there is good news. A source within Barcelona in the last few hours has disclosed that Yamal will be fully fit before the start of the 2026 World Cup.