Injury Ends Yamal’s La Liga Campaign as World Cup Fitness Remains on Track

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1557 EAT on Thursday 23 April 2026

Spanish international Lamine Yamal is expected to be fit for this summer’s World Cup, but his domestic campaign with Barcelona is over after the club confirmed he has suffered an injury.

The 18-year-old went down injured after scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in Barcelona’s La Liga match against Celta Vigo on Wednesday, sparking initial concerns about his availability for World Cup 2026.

Barcelona have confirmed that Lamine Yamal has suffered a hamstring injury and will miss the remainder of the season.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday morning, FC Barcelona said: “The tests carried out have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg (biceps femoris muscle). The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season, and he is expected to be available for the World Cup.”

The 18-year-old was injured after scoring the winning penalty in Barcelona’s La Liga match against Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
Spain are set to open their World Cup campaign — which would mark Yamal’s tournament debut — against Cape Verde in Group H on June 15.

In La Liga, Barcelona hold a nine-point lead over Real Madrid with six matches remaining. The two sides are scheduled to meet in a Clasico at Camp Nou on May 10.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid travel to Real Betis on Friday, while Barcelona face Getafe on Saturday.