Sports and Recreation

Barcelona confirm Lamine Yamal injury blow ahead of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid tests after wonderkid limped out of Spain clash

Barcelona confirm Lamine Yamal injury blow ahead of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid tests after wonderkid limped out of Spain clash

While Yamal allayed fears that he had suffered a serious injury in Spain’s 1-0 win against Denmark on Saturday, tests carried out on Monday morning confirmed that the 17-year-old has an issue, with his return to full fitness currently unknown. Yamal has strained his left hamstring, Barcelona have confirmed, and will be out until he recovers.

A club statement read: “Tests carried out this morning on first team player Lamine Yamal have confirmed that he has a left hamstring strain. His return to training will be determined by his recovery time.”

Barcelona were already planning to keep a close eye on the wonderkid during the international break, aware of the heavy workload he has received already in the 2024-25 season. Before Saturday’s contest, he had played 1,014 minutes out of a possible 1,170, and he added another 90 to that tally in the Denmark match. Despite nearly getting through the whole game – Yamal was replaced in second half injury-time – he was spotted leaving the Enrique Roca Stadium with a noticeable limp.

Yamal’s setback is concerning news for a Barcelona side that have benefitted from his brilliance this season. The Euro 2024 winner has scored five goals and provided the same number of assists for Hansi Flick’s side this season and is a vital part of their attempts to improve upon last season’s trophyless campaign.

The Blaugrana didn’t give a timeframe for Yamal’s return but will hope he makes swift progress. Barcelona, who lead La Liga after winning eight of their opening nine games, host Sevilla at Camp Nou on Sunday evening. The Catalans then face Bayern Munich in the Champions League and then take on Real Madrid in El Clasico.