Barcelona have confirmed that Lamine Yamal is injured after the youngster missed the La Liga matchday 12 clash against Real Sociedad.
Yamal was left out of the travelling Barcelona squad for the game against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening.
Barcelona confirmed the 17-year-old suffered a ‘severe contusion’ in their 5-2 win over Crvena zvezda in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“First team player Lamine Yamal sustained a severe contusion in last Wednesday’s game against Red Star Belgrade,” Barcelona wrote in a statement on social media.
“Over the past few days, he has undergone treatment, but the discomfort has yet to subside. His recovery will determine his availability,” the statement added.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick also gave an update on Yamal’s injury. “We tried until the end with Lamine,” he said. “We have to take care of him, he has problems with his ankle.”
Flick also added he is not sure if Lamine will be back after the international break. “Nothing is clear yet. As soon as we know we’ll announce it.”
Hansi Flick turned to 21-year-old Fermin Lopez in Yamal’s absence, with the Spain international starting in attack alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. Barcelona had been in fine form in La Liga, winning 11 of their first 12 matches, and Yamal has contributed five goals and seven assists to their cause.
However, without Yamal they were unable to keep up that momentum, as Sociedad earned a 1-0 win over the La Liga leaders thanks to a 33rd-minute goal from Sheraldo Becker.
The Blaugrana’s lead over Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings has been cut to six points after the loss at Sociedad, and the reigning champions still have a game in hand. Barca will be hoping Yamal can return as quickly as possible.
Lamine Yamal’s injury history
It is the fifth time Lamine Yamal has picked up an injury since his big break into Barcelona squad.
His first injury blow was in the 2022-23 season in which he was sidelined for 31 days.
He was also ruled out of action for 10 days in his first injury blow that season and missed 2 matches. He picked up another blow that season, suffering a knock and was sidelined for 2 days, missing one game.
Last season, Yamal suffered his first blow, suffering a strain. He was sidelined for 5 days but did not miss any game.
In another blow, he was sidelined with an ankle issue and was our for 17 days, missing two games. The current injury blow is his first injury crisis this season.
Robert Lewandowski also injured
Barcelona will not only be sweating with Lamine Yamal’s injury blow but that of Robert Lewandowski as well. Sources close to the club have revealed Lewandowski has suffered a neck injury.
He was called up for Poland squad for November international break but will not be joining the team s confirmed by close sources.
His estimated timeout is a week and 3 days. This means he could be fit to return to action for Barcelona after the international break. Barcelona will travel to take on Celta Vigo in their first match after the international break.
They are six points clear on the La Liga table but have played a game more than their arch-rivals and title contenders Real Madrid.
