Dream over?: Will Lamine Yamal be available for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026?

Lamine Yamal is set to miss the remaining season with FC Barcelona and possibly even the World Cup. (Image credits – Wikipedia, Licence Details)

FC Barcelona starboy Lamine Yamal injured himself after scoring the penalty that gave the Catalan giants a massive 1-0 win in the race for the La Liga title, extending their lead at the top of the table to nine points above Real Madrid. The 18-year-old converted from the spot, and right after scoring, he went to ground holding his hamstring and signalled to the bench to take him off. Yamal limped off the pitch and was replaced by Roony Bardghji.

As per reports, the 18-year-old will miss the rest of the season with Barça, which includes the El Clasico clash next month, the only remaining big game of their season. The Spanish national team will be worried about this situation as the World Cup is less than 50 days away from now. Yamal was key during Spain’s Euro 2024 victory and is an important asset for Luis de la Fuente’s side heading into the United States of America.

FC Barcelona released a statement confirming that the youngster has injured his hamstring, and he will not be available for the remaining six games of the club in the league as they are keen on defending their league title by finishing with a hundred points, which is possible if they win all of their remaining games.

“The tests carried out have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg (biceps femoris muscle),” said the club's official statement. (sic)

It further added, “The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season, and he is expected to be available for the World Cup.” (sic)

Yamal will be absent for only six games, and Barça do have a nine-point lead at the top, but his absence will be massive. The 18-year-old has been one of their most consistent performers this season, bagging 24 goals and 18 assists in just 45 appearances across all competitions, and Hansi Flick now must prepare his attacking lineup without him. Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford are two options the German boss could use to replace the injured teenager.

Will Lamine Yamal return in time for the World Cup with Spain?

The timing of Lamine Yamal’s injury has affected Spain's World Cup preparations as well. The biggest competition in world football is set to begin on June 11, which is merely a few weeks away, where Spain are set to play their opening game against debutants Cape Verde on June 15.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the teenager will return in time for the World Cup, and his participation is no longer a doubt. However, he won't be at his usual match fitness as he will miss the remainder of the games with FC Barcelona this season. The club has also assured that Yamal is expected to return in time for the World Cup.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has also assured the La Roja fans that the youngster will return at the World Cup and he will be even stronger than he is now. The German also revealed that Raphinha and Marc Bernal could return from their respective injuries next week.

“It’s not easy for him or for us. We have to manage it. He’ll learn from his first muscle injury. He’ll surely be ready for the World Cup and will come back stronger,” said Flick. (sic)

He added, “He felt something after the penalty foul, but nothing serious, so we decided he’d take it. It was his first muscle injury, and that’s why it’s not easy to interpret the signals the body can give.” (sic)

“At 18, he’s doing very well, considering the pressure he’s under. I think this is the fourth question about him, which speaks to his importance.” (sic)

“He’s more mature, he’s intelligent, and he’s demonstrating that every week. It’s normal that he’s feeling down right now. I wish him a good World Cup, at his best, and for that, the important thing is that he has a good recovery.” (sic)