Barcelona winger says it “hurts” to miss the rest of the campaign but promises to be “back stronger” next season
Lamine Yamal has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn hamstring but is expected to recover in time for the World Cup.
The 18-year-old picked up the injury after scoring a penalty in Barcelona’s 1-0 La Liga win over Celta Vigo. Tests carried out at the club’s training ground confirmed the tear, and Barcelona have said he will follow a “conservative treatment plan”, meaning he will not require surgery.
The club also confirmed he will miss their final six league matches of the season.
However, Barcelona added that he is “expected to be available for the World Cup”, which begins for Spain on 15 June against Cape Verde in Atlanta. Spain will also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in their group.
Yamal said the injury comes at a difficult moment for him.
“This injury sidelines me at the very moment I wanted to be on the pitch the most, and it hurts more than I can explain,” Yamal said on social media. “It hurts not being able to fight alongside my teammates and not being able to help when the team needs me. But I believe in them, and I know they will play each match with their souls.
“I’ll be there, even if only from the outside, supporting, cheering, and pushing them on just as if I were playing. This isn’t the end. It’s just a break. I’ll be back stronger, hungrier than ever, and next season will be even better.
“Thank you for all the messages, and Visca el Barça.”
The injury is a setback for Barcelona as they continue to push for their second La Liga title in two seasons under Hansi Flick, although they remain nine points clear of Real Madrid with only six matches left. The two sides will meet in a decisive clásico on 10 May at Camp Nou, which could shape the title race.
Barcelona also face Getafe, Osasuna, Alaves, Real Betis and Valencia in their remaining fixtures. They are currently without Raphinha, which makes Yamal an even bigger miss. Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford will have to carry more of the scoring responsibility.
Yamal has played 45 matches in all competitions this season, scoring 24 goals and providing 17 assists.
