Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is set to miss the start of Spain’s World Cup campaign in what would be a major setback for the Spanish national team.
According to information revealed by The Athletic, the teenage winger is still recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered during Barcelona’s La Liga victory against Celta Vigo last month.
Notably, the current expectation is that he will not be ready in time for Spain’s opening group-stage match against Cape Verde on June 15.
Furthermore, at this stage, the situation is also creating growing uncertainty around his availability for Spain’s second game against Saudi Arabia on June 21.
What’s the story?
Lamine Yamal was injured against Celta Vigo. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
As reported before, the Spanish Football Federation is in constant communication with Barcelona regarding the player’s rehabilitation process.
Members of the federation’s medical staff have been travelling regularly to Catalunya to monitor his recovery alongside Barça’s own doctors.
It must be remembered that the injury raised concern because Yamal was ruled out for the remainder of Barcelona’s season after suffering discomfort in his hamstring.
At the time, Barcelona confirmed the winger would follow what they described as a “conservative treatment plan”.
A big loss for Spain
Be it for Barcelona or for the Spanish national team, Yamal is one of the most dangerous and unpredictable attackers.
Lamine Yamal will miss the World Cup opener. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
This is why losing him for even part of the group stage would significantly affect Spain’s attacking threat and creativity.
At the same time, nobody wants to risk worsening the injury, as Hamstring problems are notoriously delicate, especially for wingers whose game depends heavily on acceleration and repeated sprints.
One mistake in recovery could potentially create a much longer absence. Hence, both Barcelona and Spain appear completely in line in taking a careful approach.
Notably, after the matches against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, Spain will face Uruguay in their final group-stage fixture, and there is no confirmation over whether Yamal will be ready by then.
