Barcelona anxiously awaits news on Lamine Yamal

Barcelona retains a nine-point lead over Real Madrid with six rounds left in La Liga, after a 1-0 win against Celta Vigo in which Lamine Yamal scored and suffered an injury.

At Camp Nou, Lamine Yamal earned a penalty which he successfully converted. The "number 10" felt a sharp pain in the posterior thigh area, specifically the left hamstring, and requested substitution. Initial reports suggest a muscle tear.

Barcelona holds its breath

Concern peaked in Barcelona… and at the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Lamine Yamal sustained an injury midweek after successfully executing the penalty that secured the sole goal in the match against Celta Vigo, part of La Liga's 33rd round (the 32nd round is played this weekend). Barcelona's most crucial star decisively struck from the 11-meter spot past goalkeeper Ionuț Radu in the 40th minute, but immediately upon running to celebrate, he felt a sharp pain in his left hamstring.

He instantly looked toward the bench requesting substitution and collapsed onto the pitch. Yamal lay on the grass in evident distress. Medical staff entered to attend to him, teammates gathered around, and they continued signaling for a substitution toward Hansi Flick's technical area. Subsequently, while leaving the field, the 18-year-old player repeatedly touched the area behind his left thigh. He embraced Flick before limping into the tunnel on his own.

Camp Nou fell silent. The anxiety, starting on the pitch, spread to the stands: The match had been paused for 15 minutes to attend to a fan stabilized by medical staff after a cardiac arrest. "We must see what happens with Lamine after clear test results," Hansi Flick commented post-match. He admitted, "it's not easy, but we have to accept it. Same with Joao (Cancelo, who left the pitch from the 23rd minute). It's unfortunate for the club. Let's hope it's not serious injuries."

According to initial assessment, Yamal likely suffered a muscle fiber tear. "Lamine felt something wrong. In fact, he wouldn't have left the pitch without reason. There is indeed an injury," Hansi Flick said with a worried expression, concerned he might miss the return "El Clásico."

Lamine Yamal's injury occurred with only six La Liga matches remaining, and less than a month before coach Luis de la Fuente announces the squad for the 2026 World Cup. Spain has less than 50 days before their opening match in North America.

Gavi, who recently returned and is fighting for a spot in De la Fuente's list, revealed Yamal's issue existed before kickoff. Nevertheless, he decided to play and Flick also had no intention of benching his star. The result was a costly price. "For me, Lamine is the best. Of course, it's a huge loss for us because he's a very important player in the team," Gavi stated. He emphasized: "Lamine had a minor injury in the dressing room. I don't know how long the injury will last, but I hope it's as short as possible because we need him."

Difficult to play without Lamine Yamal

The penalty earned by Lamine himself after a collision with Yoel Lago marked his 16th La Liga goal and his 24th across all competitions this season. The injury came at a crucial moment of the season, even though Barcelona had been eliminated from the Champions League. After defeating Celta Vigo, the Catalan giant still leads Real Madrid by nine points.

Barcelona had scripted winning the La Liga title by defeating Real Madrid at Camp Nou in the "Clásico" on May 10. Yamal's injury inadvertently sparked worries, though Spanish football history has never recorded a case where "Los Blancos" could close a nine-point gap in the final six rounds. This was evident in the first half of the second period. Barcelona struggled to regain their rhythm without Lamine on the pitch, or when he was present but grimacing in pain.

Only when De Jong entered from the 73rd minute did "Blaugrana" control the match better. De Jong played his 293rd match, becoming the Dutch player with the most appearances in Barcelona's history, surpassing Phillip Cocu. "Normally we control the match. They pressed us very high on the pitch with great intensity. Creating good plays and opportunities wasn't easy. We lost possession a few times easily, and that's not good," Flick admitted. Without pressure from Yamal, Celta Vigo comfortably pressed and made Barcelona struggle.

"Hope everything turns out as mild as possible. Wish him luck, stay calm. Lamine is young and will recover well," Pedri shared. The culés are very anxious, and Yamal's condition somewhat affects Real Madrid's morale as they visit Betis tonight (2:00 AM on April 25).