Lamine Yamal set for World Cup despite Seasonending injury

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Lamine Yamal is expected to be fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being ruled out for the remainder of the domestic season with a hamstring injury, FC Barcelona confirmed yesterday.

The tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remains firmly in sight for the 18-year-old, who will now begin a conservative recovery programme after tests confirmed a hamstring injury in his left leg.

The setback occurred during Barcelona’s 1–0 win over Celta Vigo at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, a result that moved the Catalan side nine points clear at the top of La Liga. Yamal converted a 40th-minute penalty — his 16th league goal of the season — but immediately signalled to the bench and went down clutching his left hamstring.

He was unable to continue and left the pitch with medical assistance, heading straight down the tunnel after being substituted.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said after the match that the forward would not have asked to come off without a serious issue. Those concerns were later confirmed following medical evaluation.

The injury comes at a key stage of the campaign, with Barcelona closing in on the La Liga title and important fixtures ahead, including a decisive clash with Real Madrid.

Yamal has been one of Spain’s most decisive players this season, with 16 goals and 11 assists highlighting his rapid impact at the top level.

While his absence is a blow for Barcelona in the closing weeks of the season, both club and country will take encouragement from the expectation that he will be ready in time for the World Cup, where he is set to play a key role for Spain national football team.