Injured Yamal 'expected to be fit' for World Cup

FC Barcelona's Spain international winger Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of the domestic season but is expected to be fit for the World Cup finals after suffering a hamstring injury on Wednesday night.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal (L) vies with Benfica's Nicolas Otamendi during their UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match in Barcelona, Spain, on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

Yamal went to ground while taking the penalty that gave Barcelona a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo at Camp Nou and had to be helped off the pitch.

The 18-year-old underwent tests on Thursday morning, with the club issuing a statement that brought bad news for Barcelona but better news for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.

"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," the Barcelona website said.

That means Yamal will miss this weekend's trip to Getafe and another difficult away game against Osasuna on May 2 before Barcelona hosts Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 10 in a match that could decide this season's La Liga title.

Barcelona ends the season with matches against Alaves, Betis and Valencia.

Spain opens its World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15.