Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has vowed to come back stronger after suffering a hamstring injury which has prompted fears in Spain ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Alarm bells sounded in Spain on Wednesday night after Yamal hobbled off with the problem after scoring a penalty during his side’s 1-0 win over Celta Vigo.
The injury has come less than two months before the World Cup gets underway in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Yamal, 18, is central to his country’s World Cup aspirations having played a crucial role during their Euro 2024 triumph.
His injury has left officials sweating over his availability after he clutched his left hamstring following his spot kick in the first half at the Nou Camp.
Yamal expressed his disappointment on social media after being confirmed to have suffered a hamstring injury, which will rule him out of the remainder of Barcelona’s season.
Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury during Barcelona’s victory over Celta Vigo
Yamal expressed his disappointment at missing the end of the season in a post on social media
The Spanish giants have just six matches remaining this season and are closing in on winning LaLiga for the second straight year, having opened up a nine-point lead on arch-rivals Real Madrid.
‘This injury leaves me off the field at the time I most wanted to be, and it hurts more than I can explain,’ Yamal wrote on Instagram.
‘It hurts not being able to fight with my teammates, not being able to help when the team needs me. But I believe in them and I know they’re going to drop their souls in every game.
‘I’ll be there, even if it’s from the outside, supporting, encouraging and pushing as one more.
‘This is not the end, this is just a break. I’ll come back stronger, more eager than ever, and next season will be better.
‘Thanks for the messages and Viva Barca.’
Earlier on Thursday, Barcelona had sought to allay fears over his World Cup hopes, with the club stating he is expected to return in time for the tournament.
Spanish publication Diario AS had initially reported that he may have suffered a muscle tear.
The Spanish star is now facing a race to be fit in time for the start of the World Cup
The typical return time for a muscle tear injury is varied. For a grade one tear, just days can pass before a player can return. Grade two typically requires around three weeks of recovery and a grade three tear can take three months or more to come back from.
Spain’s first game at the World Cup is on June 15 against Cape Verde, which is in 53 days – or nearly eight weeks.
They also have Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in their group.
Yamal was seen walking down the tunnel at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, with fans watching on nervously.
He has struggled with groin issues this season, but the incident appeared to be a separate injury.
The forward has netted 24 goals and picked up a further 17 assists in 44 games overall.
