Will Lamine Yamal miss the World Cup? Barcelona await scan results

April 23, 2026 Oliver Obel

Barcelona are facing an anxious wait over Lamine Yamal after the teenager was forced off moments after scoring in their 1-0 LaLiga win over Celta Vigo, with early indications pointing to a potential hamstring injury.

According to Sportbible’s match coverage, Yamal gave Barça the lead from the penalty spot in the 40th minute but immediately went down in discomfort instead of celebrating. Replays showed him clutching the back of his leg as medical staff were called onto the pitch.

He was unable to continue and was replaced by Roony Bardghji before halftime, although he walked off without assistance.

Early assessments suggest the issue could be more serious than first hoped. ESPN reported that initial indications from club sources point to a possible torn hamstring, though the extent of the injury and recovery timeline will only be confirmed after scans once swelling subsides.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick struck a cautious tone after the match. “We have to wait,” he said, via ESPN. “We have to see what it is. There is something. He felt it. After the goal, he would not leave the pitch without reason.”

Additional reporting from MARCA indicated that the club’s medical team has identified “a hamstring injury in his left leg,” but similarly stressed that a definitive diagnosis is still pending.

The uncertainty has led to growing concern given the timing. Barcelona are entering the final stretch of the LaLiga season, while Spain are preparing for the 2026 World Cup this summer, where Yamal is expected to play a central role.

If the injury proves to be a tear, ESPN noted that he could miss the remainder of the club season, although such scenarios remain speculative until test results are confirmed.

Barcelona’s position adds further weight to the situation. The win over Celta Vigo moved them nine points clear at the top of LaLiga with six games remaining, though a decisive Clásico against Real Madrid is still to come.

Teammates expressed hope that the injury is not severe. “Hopefully Lamine will only miss a few weeks,” midfielder Pedri said, according to ESPN, while goalkeeper Joan García added that the squad hopes those affected “are back with us as soon as possible.”

Yamal’s importance to the team is reflected in his output this season, with 24 goals and 17 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. Sportbible also noted he had been managing minor fitness issues earlier in the campaign.

The incident also drew an immediate reaction online, with a Live Goals post capturing the moment: “LAMINE YAMAL GOES DOWN INJURED AFTER SCORING WTF 😳😳”.

https://twitter.com/FTLiveGoals/status/2047046495308767261

Beyond the immediate concern, the situation highlights how carefully clubs now manage young players. As MARCA pointed out, even less serious muscle issues are often treated cautiously to avoid longer-term setbacks.

Yamal’s rising profile has only amplified the attention. He was recently named World Young Sportsperson of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards, where he said: “I'm very excited. Since I was a child, I've dreamed of attending a World Cup, of being able to see my mother in the stands, of representing the national team… These two months are going to seem too short, and I obviously hope we'll be champions.”

For now, Barcelona and Spain must wait for clarity. The results of upcoming scans are expected to determine whether this is a short-term setback or a more significant interruption at a crucial point in the season.

Sources: Sportbible, ESPN, MARCA, Live Goals, Laureus World Sports Awards