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Barcelona forward Yamal sidelined for remainder of La Liga campaign
Spanish winger Lamine Yamal will miss Barcelona's final six league matches after suffering a hamstring injury during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo, the club announced on Thursday.
Injury details
Yamal, 18, converted a penalty in the 40th minute to give Barcelona the lead, but immediately signaled discomfort and collapsed, clutching his left hamstring. Medical staff assisted him off the field, and he did not return.
Barcelona confirmed the diagnosis on Thursday, stating that Yamal will undergo conservative treatment and is expected to recover in time for the World Cup.
Player reaction
In a social media post on Thursday, Yamal expressed frustration at missing the season's closing stretch.
"This injury leaves me off the field at the time I most wanted to be, and it hurts more than I can explain. 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."
Lamine Yamal, via Instagram
He added that he would continue supporting the squad from the sidelines and vowed to return "stronger, more eager than ever."
Impact on Barcelona
Barcelona, currently leading La Liga by nine points, face second-placed Real Madrid at home on 10 May. The team has six matches remaining in the domestic season.
World Cup timeline
Spain's national team begins its World Cup campaign on 15 June against Cape Verde in Group H. Subsequent group-stage fixtures include matches against Saudi Arabia on 21 June and Uruguay on 27 June.
Yamal is expected to be available for all three games, provided his recovery stays on track.
