Barcelona have been dealt a major injury setback after teenage star Lamine Yamal was ruled out for the remainder of the season, though he is expected to recover in time for the World Cup.
The 18-year-old Spain international suffered a left hamstring injury during Wednesday’s 1-0 La Liga win over Celta Vigo.
Yamal had put Barcelona ahead from the penalty spot in the 40th minute, but moments later signalled to the bench before collapsing to the ground, clutching his hamstring. He was subsequently assisted off the pitch by medical staff and taken straight down the tunnel.
The club confirmed the extent of the injury on Thursday, stating that Yamal will undergo a “conservative treatment plan.” While he will miss the rest of the domestic campaign, Barcelona remain optimistic about his availability for the upcoming World Cup.
Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions, currently sit top of the table with a nine-point lead over rivals Real Madrid. The two sides are set to meet at Camp Nou on 10 May, one of six remaining fixtures this season.
Spain will be hoping to have Yamal fully fit for their World Cup campaign, which kicks off on 15 June against Cape Verde. They will also face Saudi Arabia on 21 June and Uruguay on 27 June in Group H.
