Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Friday that injured teenage star Lamine Yamal would return to action at the World Cup with Spain this summer, even “stronger” than he is now.
The 18-year-old has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury he suffered on Wednesday as Barcelona defeated Celta Vigo in La Liga.
Yamal won and converted a penalty to help his side stay nine points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table, but immediately went down injured and was substituted.
“This situation is not easy for us, but also for him,” Flick told reporters.
«He knows it was his first muscle injury. What I feel is that he is very focused. He has the motivation – he is out for us, but I think he will be there for the World Cup and will be stronger, come back stronger than he is now.»
Yamal, who finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or election and helped Spain win the 2024 European Championship, has been a key figure in Barcelona’s bid to defend their La Liga title.
Flick said Yamal may have been injured by the foul that earned him the penalty, but he did not realize the situation he was in as he had not suffered such an injury before.
«He felt something after the foul, but I don’t think it was that much. And he decided to kick the penalty and after that it might be more,» Flick said.
“He has never had a muscle injury before, so it is also part of getting to know the signal that the body gives you.
«It’s not that easy because he’s still very young, but in the end it’s an experience. And this is what he has to learn.»
Yamal has scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists for Barcelona in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals in his last 12 league matches.
«I have had a huge amount of appreciation in recent weeks. He was at an incredible level. He is more mature than 18,» Flick added.
«He’s smart, he’s smart and he knows what he wants. Of course this injury is affecting him now too… but then you have to focus on what’s going on in the process of coming back, of getting fitter and fitter and better and better.»
Barcelona visits Getafe on Saturday while Madrid travels to Real Betis on Friday.
Published on April 24, 2026
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