Barcelona's Lamin Yamal injures hamstring, but expected for World Cup

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal leaves the field after suffering an injury during a Spanish LaLiga soccer meeting with Celta Vigo on Wednesday in Barcelona. Photo by Enric Fontcuberta/EPA

April 23 (UPI) -- Barcelona's Lamine Yamal sustained a season-ending left hamstring injury, but expects to be available for the 2026 World Cup, the La Liga club said Thursday.

The Spaniard, widely considered one of the world's top soccer players, was hurt while taking a penalty kick in a 1-0 win over Celta Viga on Wednesday in Barcelona. He left the game after making the 40th-minute attempt.

Barcelona announced that testing confirmed a hamstring injury.

"The player will follow a conservative treatment plan," the La Liga leaders said. "He will miss the remainder of the league season, but is expected to be available for the World Cup."

Yamal, 18, totaled 16 goals and 11 assists over 28 La Liga appearances this season. He scored 24 times and registered 17 assists across all competitions (45) in 2025-26. Yamal logged 18 goals and 21 assists over 55 total appearances in 2024-25.

Barcelona (27-4-1) leads second-place Real Madrid (23-5-4) by nine points in the La Liga standings. The reigning league champions will play Getafe in another La Liga match at 10:15 a.m. EDT Saturday in Madrid.

Yamal started at winger for Spain during its last two friendlies. The No. 2 Spaniards, who are favorites to win the World Cup, will face No. 69 Cape Verde in their tournament opener June 15 in Atlanta.