Spain’s Lamine Yamal Injured, But Expected To Be Fit For World Cup
Spain’s Lamine Yamal has picked up a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit for the upcoming World Cup, his club Barcelona announced Thursday.
“Tests have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg,” Barca said.
Yamal picked up the injury in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga action on Wednesday.
“This isn’t the end; it’s just a break. I’ll come back stronger, with even more determination than ever, and next season will be better.”
The teenage Spain star, who has scored six goals in 25 appearances for the national side since making his debut in 2023, won and converted a penalty to clinch a narrow home triumph over Celta.
But after beating Ionut Radu with a low penalty, Yamal pulled up hurt immediately, calling for treatment and lying on the turf as his team-mates came over to celebrate.
The right winger was replaced by Roony Bardghji.
“He wouldn’t leave the pitch without reason,” said Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. “As a coach you have to manage it; you have to live with it. It’s a pity that Lamine is injured now.”
He was an integral part of Spain’s winning side at Euro 2024 and earlier this week spoke of his excitement about the World Cup.
“These two months will seem very short to me, and I hope we’ll finish as champions.”
There is little doubt that he will feature in manager Luis de la Fuente’s final squad, even if he is not yet fully fit.
Yamal joins a list of several key Spain internationals sidelined or edging their way back to full fitness, including Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino and Nico Williams. However, the 18-year-old could be rested at the start of the tournament given the significant risk of aggravating the injury.
AFP
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