Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is preparing for this summer’s World Cup, but there are new concerns after Lamine Yamal appears injured.
Yamal injured after scoring Barcelona’s penalty (Image: Getty Images)
Spain have fresh World Cup fears after star winger Lamine Yamal faces a serious injury. The Barcelona winger was expected to play a key role for the European champions in this summer’s competitions in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
However, he suffered the injury on Wednesday night when converting a penalty in the Catalan giants’ 1-0 win over Celta Vigo. Barcelona’s statement said he would miss the rest of the season in hopes of recovering in time for the World Cup.
“As a result of the tests carried out, it has been confirmed that first team player Lamine Yamal has an injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg. The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season and is expected to be able to participate in the World Cup.”
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said after the match: “We have to wait. We have to assess the situation. There is something. He felt it. He will not leave the pitch for no reason after scoring.”
“It’s something. Something happened. I hope it’s not too bad, but we’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
He added: “I think he has an injury, but we’ll have to wait and see how long he’ll be out. Other than that, I can’t say anything. We have to wait. As a coach, you have to manage these things.”
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“It’s unfortunate that Lamine was injured, but I’m also thinking about Rafinha,[Marc]Bernal,[Andreas]Christensen… Now we have to concentrate on Getafe. I won’t say I’m upset, but I’m thinking about a lot. We fought hard.”
Spanish media outlet Marca reported that Yamal has suffered a torn hamstring, which seriously jeopardizes the winger’s status for the rest of the season and at the World Cup.
Pedri, Yamal’s Barcelona and Spain teammate, said: “We just hope that Yamal’s injury is not serious. We don’t know yet and we will have to wait for the medical test tomorrow, but I am optimistic because he is young and he should be back soon.”
Yamal had another sensational season at Barcelona. The 18-year-old has scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists in all competitions this season.
Yamal was treated by doctors in Barcelona (Image: Getty Images)
This form has taken the team to the brink of winning La Liga, with Barcelona currently nine points behind fierce rivals Real Madrid with six games in hand.
Yamal wasn’t the only injury concern for Barcelona against Celta Vigo. Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo was also sent off in the first half with an apparent muscular injury.
Barcelona goalkeeper João Garcia said: “We hope that their injuries are not serious and that they return to us as soon as possible.”
Spain will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H of this summer’s World Cup.
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