World Cup worry as Lamine Yamal injured while converting penalty in Barcelona win over Celta Vigo
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal lies on the pitch in pain during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Celta Vigo in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Credit: AP/Joan Monfort
BARCELONA, Spain — Lamine Yamal was injured while converting a penalty in Barcelona's 1-0 Spanish league win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
Yamal scored Barcelona's first goal in the 40th minute and immediately looked to the bench to signal he was hurt. He dropped to the ground as his teammates arrived to celebrate, then appeared to grab the back of his left leg.
Yamal left the field on his own after being attended by doctors. He talked briefly with coach Hansi Flick on the sidelines before walking into the locker-room tunnel by himself.
Barcelona did not give any immediate information about the severity of the injury sustained by the 18-year-old forward, who is set to make his World Cup debut with Spain in June.
“Hopefully Lamine will only miss a few weeks," Barcelona midfielder Pedri said. "I wish him the best of luck. He needs to remain calm because he's young and will surely recover well.”
Barcelona also lost Portugal defender João Cancelo because of an apparent muscle injury to his right leg in the 24th.
Flick said both players would be evaluated on Thursday.
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal lies on the pitch in pain during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Celta Vigo in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Credit: AP/Joan Monfort
“We hope their injuries are not serious and that they are back with us as soon as possible,” Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García said.
The Catalan club restored its nine-point lead over second-place Real Madrid, which defeated Alaves 2-1 on Tuesday.
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