Yamal Faces World Cup Doubt After Serious Injury with Barcelona

Barcelona’s star suffered a thigh tear against Celta Vigo, leaving Spain’s plans for June in jeopardy, with recovery expected to take up to six weeks.

Rabat – Barcelona’s forward Lamine Yamal has suffered a serious setback that could rule him out of the upcoming World Cup.

The 18‑year‑old picked up a thigh injury during Wednesday’s league match against Celta Vigo, and early medical reports suggest a muscle tear.

According to Mundo Deportivo, initial examinations indicate Yamal will need at least five to six weeks to recover.

🚨⚠️ Lamine Yamal leaves the pitch with an injury after taking and scoring a penalty. ❗️

Second injury of the night for Barça after João Cancelo. pic.twitter.com/GcLThWq8Pr

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 22, 2026

That timeline ends his domestic season and casts doubt on his World Cup participation. Spain’s opening match is scheduled for June 15 against Cape Verde, just four days after the tournament begins in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Further medical tests are planned to confirm the extent of the damage.

The incident came in the 40th minute, when Yamal won and converted a penalty to give Barcelona the lead.

Immediately after scoring, he signaled to the bench that he was hurt, then collapsed to the ground.

Teammates looked confused as medical staff rushed onto the pitch. Yamal limped off and headed straight down the tunnel, visibly upset. Roony Bardghji replaced him.

Barcelona held on to win 1‑0, but the loss of their young star is a major blow. The club remain ahead of Real Madrid in the title race, yet crucial games remain, including the Clásico in May.

Yamal has been central to their attack this season, and his absence will test the squad’s depth.

Spain’s concerns

For Spain, the injury is even more concerning. Yamal has become a key figure in the national team setup, seen as one of the brightest talents heading into the World Cup. With only seven weeks until the tournament, his recovery window is tight.

Missing the competition would be a huge setback for both the player and Spain’s ambitions.

If recovery takes longer than expected, Yamal could miss the World Cup entirely. For now, Barcelona and Spain await Thursday’s detailed medical results, hoping the injury is not as serious as feared.