Barcelona have confirmed that Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of their LaLiga season after suffering a torn hamstring, though the Spanish champions say the 18-year-old is expected to be fit in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Yamal sustained the injury during Wednesday's 1-0 home victory over Celta Vigo at Spotify Camp Nou — ironically while scoring a penalty that proved to be the decisive goal. He underwent medical assessments at Barcelona's training ground the following day.

Conservative treatment, no surgery

The club have announced that Yamal will follow a conservative treatment plan, meaning he will not require surgery. He is set to miss Barcelona's final six matches of the LaLiga campaign.

Despite the setback, Barcelona stressed that Yamal is on course to be available for Spain's opening World Cup fixture in 53 days — a Group H clash against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta. La Roja, among the tournament favourites, will also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the group stage.

Title race impact

Yamal's absence complicates Barcelona's push for back-to-back league titles under manager Hansi Flick, though the Catalan club still hold a commanding nine-point lead over Real Madrid with six games remaining.

The two rivals are scheduled to meet in the second Clásico of the season on May 10 at Spotify Camp Nou — a fixture that could prove decisive in the title race. Before that showdown, Barcelona face away trips to Getafe and Osasuna. After the Clásico, they travel to Alaves, host Real Betis, and then visit Valencia on the final day.

Compounding their attacking woes, Barcelona are also without Raphinha. The Brazilian is targeting a return for the Clásico, but in the meantime Flick will lean on Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford to carry the attacking burden.

A remarkable debut season

Wednesday's goal was Yamal's 24th of the campaign — a stunning return for a teenager who has also contributed 17 assists across 45 appearances in all competitions this season. Despite battling a sports hernia at various points, he had managed to stay largely available throughout the year.

His injury represents one of the most significant blows of Barcelona's title run-in, but with the World Cup on the horizon, the priority for both club and country will be ensuring he returns to full fitness before June.