Lamine Yamal’s World Cup status unclear after Barcelona injury | Football News
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal Injured After Scoring Game-Winning Goal
Published: April 23, 2026
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal sustained an injury while scoring the decisive goal in the team’s La Liga match against Celta Vigo on Wednesday. The 18-year-old forward pulled up while celebrating the goal, which was his 16th of the season in the league, contributing to a 1-0 victory for Barcelona.
Reports indicate that club officials suspect Yamal may have suffered a torn hamstring. A full diagnosis is pending, as he is scheduled for scans on Thursday.
Yamal drew a foul in the 40th minute, resulting in a penalty that he converted. Despite finding the net, he immediately went down, clutching his left hamstring and did not celebrate the goal.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick commented on Yamal’s condition after the match, saying, “We have to wait. He felt it and there is something. After the goal, he would not leave the pitch without reason. Hopefully, it’s not so bad, but we have to wait until tomorrow.”
Midfielder Pedri, who plays alongside Yamal for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, expressed optimism about Yamal’s recovery, stating, “Hopefully Lamine will only miss a few weeks. I wish him the best of luck. He needs to remain calm because he’s young and will surely recover well.”
With the win, Barcelona maintained a nine-point lead over second-place Real Madrid in the league standings, positioning the team favorably for the upcoming title. However, Yamal’s injury raises concerns about his availability for the Spanish national team at the World Cup this summer in North America.
Spain will compete in Group H, with matches scheduled against Cape Verde on June 15 and Saudi Arabia on June 21, both in Atlanta, followed by a game against Uruguay on June 26 in Zapopan, Mexico.
Yamal was instrumental in Spain’s victory at UEFA Euro 2024, contributing significantly as a playmaker and scorer. He has six goals in 25 appearances for the national team.
