Barcelona have confirmed that teenage star Lamine Yamal is set to miss up to four weeks following a fresh ankle injury sustained during their recent La Liga match against Leganes.
The injury marks a significant setback for Barcelona, as the 17-year-old winger has become a key figure for the team this season. His influence was highlighted by the fact that this was the first league game Barcelona have lost with Yamal in the starting lineup.
Yamal’s struggles against Leganes
The injury to Yamal’s right ankle occurred early in the game, leaving the Golden Boy award winner visibly hampered. Despite the setback, Yamal soldiered on until the 75th minute before being substituted.
Reports suggest that during the first half, the young forward signaled to the bench, potentially indicating his desire to be replaced. However, assistant coach Marcus Sorg, standing in for the suspended Hansi Flick, explained post-match that Yamal chose to continue playing.
“Lamine felt he could carry on and made the decision himself,” Sorg said. “We couldn’t say for certain until the medical team assessed him.”
Tests later confirmed ligament damage to the same ankle that sidelined Yamal in November, causing him to miss five matches for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Tough matches loom without Yamal
The injury rules Yamal out of this weekend’s critical clash with Atletico Madrid, one of Barcelona’s primary title rivals. The timing of the Spanish winter break will, however, provide some relief as the youngster works toward recovery.
Barcelona’s first fixture after the break is against lower-league side Barbastro in the Copa del Rey on January 4. Even if Yamal recovers earlier than expected, he is unlikely to be risked in that match.
Shortly after, Barcelona will travel to Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa de Espana, where they face Athletic Club in the semi-final. A potential final against Real Madrid or Mallorca looms, but La Liga action doesn’t resume until January 19 when Barcelona meet Getafe.
The injury serves as a blow to Barcelona’s hopes, but the club will be eager to manage Yamal’s recovery carefully, ensuring he returns in peak condition for the crucial second half of the season.
