SPAIN forward Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season for Barcelona but is expected to be fit in time for the World Cup.
The 18-year-old scored the only goal in a narrow win against Celta Vigo from the penalty spot in the 40th minute, but immediately signalled to the bench before falling to the ground, holding his left hamstring.
He was helped off the pitch by medical staff and headed straight down the tunnel.
The club confirmed the injury today, stating that Yamal “will follow a conservative treatment plan” and will miss the remainder of the league season, though he is “expected to return in time for the World Cup”
This injury leaves me off the field at the time I most wanted to be, and it hurts more than I can explain,” Yamal posted on Instagram on Thursday.
“It hurts not being able to fight with my team-mates, 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.”
Barcelona look to defend their title, and are nine points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
There are six remaining league games, one of which being the famous El Clásico, which will be played in Barcelona on May 10th.
Spain kick off their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15th in Group H, before facing Saudi Arabia on June 21st and Uruguay on June 27th.
