Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is expected to miss the start of Spain’s World Cup campaign as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
According to The Athletic, the teenage winger is not expected to be fit in time for Spain’s opening group-stage match against Cape Verde on June 15. There is also growing uncertainty over whether he will be available for the second game against Saudi Arabia on June 21.
Yamal suffered the injury during Barcelona’s La Liga win over Celta Vigo last month and was later ruled out for the rest of the club season. Barcelona confirmed at the time that he would follow a conservative treatment plan, with both club and country determined not to take unnecessary risks.
The Spanish Football Federation has remained in close contact with Barcelona throughout the recovery process. Members of Spain’s medical team have reportedly travelled regularly to Catalunya to monitor Yamal’s rehabilitation alongside the club’s doctors.
Player profile
Lamine YamalHis absence would be a significant blow for Spain. Yamal has become one of the most dangerous young attackers in world football, offering pace, creativity and unpredictability from wide areas.
For a winger whose game depends heavily on acceleration and repeated sprints, a hamstring injury must be handled carefully. Returning too soon could increase the risk of a setback and potentially lead to a longer spell on the sidelines.
Spain will face Cape Verde first before taking on Saudi Arabia six days later. Their final group-stage match comes against Uruguay, but it is still unclear whether Yamal will be ready by then.
For now, Spain are preparing to start their World Cup campaign without one of their most exciting attacking weapons.
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