19-year-old superstar faces World Cup uncertainty... 'Hamstring rupture' after Yamal scores and collapses → Out for the season

*This content was translated by AI.

Spain's attacking star Lamine Yamal (19, Barcelona), dubbed a "superstar," has collapsed. He is out for the season, and a red light has been flashed on his participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

On the 23rd (Korea time), Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo in a home match at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, in the 32nd round of the 2025-2026 Spanish La Liga. With this win, Barcelona solidified its first-place position with a record of 27 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses (82 points).

In the 40th minute of the first half, Yamal executed a quick dribble inside the penalty box, drawing a foul from the opponent. He then cleanly converted the penalty kick he had earned. However, Yamal could not smile. He suffered an impact after colliding forcefully with an opposing player while drawing the foul. Although he scored the winning goal, Yamal immediately complained of pain and was substituted at an early stage.

Yamal's injury appears quite serious. Spain's Mundo Deportivo reported, "Yamal gave his team the lead by scoring the penalty he earned, but felt hamstring pain immediately after taking the kick and requested to be substituted. Initial examinations suggest a suspected hamstring rupture."

The media further explained, "While additional tests will confirm the exact extent of the injury, Yamal is expected to be out for at least five weeks. Consequently, it seems unlikely he will be able to participate in the remaining league matches of this season."

This also negatively impacts Yamal's chances for the World Cup. The North American World Cup is scheduled for June, which coincides with Yamal's expected return timeline. More time will be needed to restore Yamal's match fitness and bring him back to peak condition, meaning the situation could become even more serious. The Spanish national team is now on high alert. Mundo Deportivo also stated, "Yamal's schedule for the early stages of the World Cup has become uncertain."

Argentina's A24 also expressed concern, stating, "Yamal did not celebrate his goal but called for medical staff toward the bench before collapsing on the pitch. He was eventually substituted and headed to the locker room in pain. It appears Yamal suffered a left hamstring rupture, and recovery is expected to take at least five weeks."

It further emphasized, "Yamal may miss the remainder of the season with Barcelona. He now faces a race against time for the North American World Cup."

This season, Yamal has recorded 16 goals and 11 assists in 28 league matches. He is also playing a key attacking role for the Spanish national team.

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*This content was translated by AI.