Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal Ruled Out for Up to Three Weeks with Groin Injury, to Miss Spain World Cup Qualifiers

Barcelona have confirmed that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will be sidelined for two to three weeks after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury.

The 18-year-old winger had been called up for Spain’s World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia and Bulgaria next week but has now been forced to withdraw from the national team squad following the setback, which flared up after Wednesday’s 2–1 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

This latest blow rekindles an injury saga that has already ruled Yamal out of four matches this season. He initially sustained the problem during September’s international break, when Spain faced Turkey and Bulgaria, sparking tension between club and country over player management.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick recently criticised Spain’s handling of the youngster, saying that the national team “should take better care of players”, remarks that did not sit well with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.

De la Fuente responded on Friday, stating:

“I was surprised by the German manager’s comments, given that he has also coached a national team. I thought he would have shown more empathy towards a colleague.”

The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Yamal, who had only just returned from a previous three-week absence to help Barcelona defeat Real Sociedad last weekend, before completing the full 90 minutes against PSG.

In an official statement, Barcelona said:

“The groin problem for Lamine Yamal has returned following the game against PSG. The player will miss Sunday’s match against Sevilla, and his recovery time is estimated at two to three weeks.”

Yamal has made five appearances for Barcelona so far this season, scoring two goals.