Spain and Barcelona starboy Lamine Yamal is set to miss the rest of the domestic season after sustaining a hamstring injury in a match against Celta Vigo on Wednesday, but will aim to be ready in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Barcelona’s mercurial youngster suffered the knock when scoring a penalty in his side’s 1-0 victory.
The 18-year-old had to immediately be substituted, raising alarm bells as to whether he’d be able to feature for Spain later this year.
Instant fears put to rest
Barcelona released a statement on Thursday softening initial fears surrounding Yamal’s injury.
The statement read: “Tests this Thursday have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg.
“The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. He will miss the remainder of the league season but is expected to be available for the World Cup.”
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Pedri: ‘He needs to remain calm’
Yamal’s Barcelona and Spain team-mate Pedri urged the need for calm and positivity surrounding the youngster’s injury.
“I wish him the best of luck,” he said. “He needs to remain calm because he’s young and will surely recover well.”
“We hope their injuries are not serious and that they are back with us as soon as possible,” Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García followed up saying, referring to both Yamal and João Cancelo – the latter experiencing a muscular injury in his right leg in the same game.
‘We need him’ says Gavi
Fellow youngster Gavi also chimed in, echoing the importance of Yamal for the national team later this year.
“He’s the best, and of course it’s a hard blow for us because he’s a very important player and we need him,” Gavi said.
“He was devastated in the dressing room because he understands how important he is for us.
“I don’t know how long he’ll be out, but I hope it’s as short as possible because we need him.”
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SportJustSport writers 
Liberty Nicholson-Hulse