Lamine Yamal in World Cup concern as he suffers freak injury scoring penalty for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal was forced off after he injured himself whilst scoring a penalty for Barcelona against Celta Vigo.
The teenage sensation put Barca 1-0 up on the stroke of half-time when he slotted home from 12 yards.
But instead of wheeling away in celebration, Yamal pulled up and went to ground immediately after finding the net.
In worrying scenes, replays showed the 18-year-old holding his hamstring, before signalling to the bench for attention.
He then received treatment on the pitch for several minutes, before he was able to get back on his feet and limp off.
This proved to be the end of Yamal’s night, as he was then replaced by Rooony Bardghji just before half time.
Despite his early substitution, the forward’s penalty would ultimately prove to be the winning goal, as Barcelona held on to claim a 1-0 victory at the Camp Nou.
Unfortunate timing
Yamal’s freak injury will come as a worry to both Barcelona and Spain, with a key period approaching for both.
There are fears the winger has torn his hamstring, although fans will have to wait for an update from his club over the coming days.
With just six games of the LaLiga season remaining, Hansi Flick‘s side are looking to get over the line to clinch back-to-back LaLiga titles.
The Catalan giants lead rivals Real Madrid by nine points at the top of the table, and will be desperate to wrap up the title as soon as possible.
Yamal has played a key role in his side’s success this term, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists in 27 league appearances.
This is despite the youngster missing five games at the start of the season after struggling with a groin injury.
However, he looked to have shaken these issues off, going on to feature 44 times in all competitions, and notching 23 goals overall.
World Cup worry
With the World Cup less than two months away, Spain will be counting on Yamal being fit to boost their chances of glory.
He announced himself to the football world by playing a key role in La Roja’s Euro 2024 glory as a 16-year-old.
Yamal was named Young Player of the Tournament, as he led the assist charts by setting up four goals, as well as scoring in Spain’s semi-final win over Germany.
One of his most important goal contributions saw him tee up Nico William’s for the opening goal in the Euro 2024 final, as Luis de la Fuente’s side beat England 2-1.
This summer, Spain are among the favourites to win football’s ultimate prize in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
La Rioja last tasted glory at the 2010 World Cup, but after their European Championship success, and with a player of Yamal’s huge quality, there are high expectations for them this summer.
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