Yamal is sidelined with a significant hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season, while Raphinha continues to recover from a separate muscle issue and has yet to return to full team training.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed ahead of the game that neither player would be available, with both still progressing through recovery and not ready for competitive action.

How and when did Lamine Yamal get injured?

Lamine Yamal suffered a left hamstring injury during Barcelona’s LaLiga match against Celta Vigo in April 2026, forcing him off immediately after scoring a penalty. The forward grabbed the back of his leg right after converting from the spot and was substituted moments later.

Medical tests confirmed the injury as a hamstring issue in his left leg, with the club opting for a conservative recovery plan. Further reports revealed it as a significant muscle injury (biceps femoris), explaining why Barcelona ruled him out for the remainder of the domestic season.

How and when did Raphinha get injured?

Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during the March international break in a match involving Brazil, which has sidelined him for several weeks. The issue was confirmed shortly after the game and initially projected to keep him out for around five weeks.

Since then, the Brazilian winger has been working through rehabilitation, missing key matches for Barcelona during a crucial stretch of the season. Although his recovery has progressed, he has not yet been fully reintegrated into matchday action, which explains his absence for this fixture.

When will Lamine Yamal return to play?

Lamine Yamal is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025–26 LaLiga season, with a potential return targeted for the upcoming international competitions, including the World Cup.

The club has confirmed that he will follow a conservative treatment plan, prioritizing long-term fitness over a rushed comeback. Recovery timelines suggest an absence of approximately five to six weeks, effectively ruling him out of Barcelona’s remaining league fixtures.

When will Raphinha return to play?

Raphinha could return in early May 2026, with projections pointing to a comeback around Barcelona’s match against Osasuna. Reports indicate that his recovery timeline from the hamstring injury was set at around five weeks, and he has been targeting key late-season fixtures for his return.

How have they performed this season?

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal has been Barcelona’s most productive and influential attacker during the 2025–26 season, leading the team in both goals and assists in LaLiga. The young winger has recorded around 15 league goals and 9+ assists.

He has also delivered in Europe, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists in the UEFA Champions League. His overall influence goes far beyond numbers, as he leads the club in expected assists and chance creation.

His importance is further reflected in his presence: he has featured in the vast majority of league matches this season, and despite Barcelona managing results without him, his absence due to injury represents a major tactical loss in the title race.

Raphinha

Raphinha has delivered a strong but more complementary season, contributing consistent scoring and experience despite missing time through injury. He has registered 11 LaLiga goals and multiple assists in limited appearances, maintaining solid efficiency when available.

His role has been less about leading the attack and more about providing balance—offering width, pressing intensity and vertical runs that stretch defenses and open space for teammates like Yamal. Even with fewer minutes, he remains one of the team’s most reliable attacking options when fit.

His influence also extends beyond raw stats. In high-intensity matches, his pressing and work rate have been key to Barcelona’s system, often setting the tone for the team’s defensive and offensive transitions.

“This injury sidelined me at the moment I wanted to be out there the most, and it hurts more than I can explain,” Yamal wrote. “It hurts not being able to fight alongside my teammates and help when the team needs me most. But I believe in this group, and I know they’re going to give their all in every match.”

While this marks Yamal’s first significant ailment of the calendar year, it is his third injury setback of the current campaign. A cloud of uncertainty now hangs over Yamal’s status for the upcoming World Cup; while the club expressed optimism regarding his availability, his participation hinges entirely on how his recovery progresses over the next several weeks.

Yamal pledges support from the sidelines

Despite the season-ending diagnosis, Yamal emphasized that he remains fully committed to his teammates as Barcelona push for the league title with Real Madrid behind them in the standings.

“I’ll be there, even if it’s from the outside, supporting, cheering, and pushing like one of the fans,” Yamal wrote in a statement to the supporters. “This isn’t the end; it’s just a pause. I’ll come back stronger, with more hunger than ever, and next season will be even better. Thank you for the messages and Visca el Barca.”

The Barcelona games Yamal will miss

With only six matches remaining in the LaLiga campaign, the loss of the teenage phenom comes at the worst possible time. Barcelona currently trail Real Madrid by nine points, and the hill just got steeper; most notably, Yamal will be unavailable for the season-defining El Clasico on May 10.

Here is the remaining schedule for Barcelona as they navigate the season’s final month without their star winger:

• April 25: at Getafe
• May 2: at Osasuna
• May 10: vs. Real Madrid (El Clasico)
• May 13: at Alaves
• May 17: vs. Real Betis
• May 24: at Valencia

“Tests conducted this Thursday have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has sustained a hamstring injury in his left leg,” the club stated. Crucially for both club and country, Barcelona also provided an outlook on his availability for this summer’s World Cup.

“The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. While he will miss the remainder of the league season, he is expected to be fit for the World Cup,“ Barcelona noted. The update provides a sigh of relief for Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente as he finalizes his roster for the upcoming tournament in North America.

The injury occurred moments after Yamal converted a penalty against Celta de Vigo. After drawing a foul in the area, Yamal stepped up to clinicaly finish the spot-kick; however, he immediately clutched his left leg in visible distress and signaled to the bench for medical attention.

Understanding the hamstring recovery timeline

In professional sports, hamstring injuries are typically categorized into three grades of severity. A Grade 1 strain is a mild stretch with a recovery window of one to three weeks. A Grade 2 partial tear usually requires three to eight weeks of rehabilitation, while a Grade 3 complete rupture can sideline an athlete for three to six months.

Given that Barcelona expect Yamal to be ready for Spain’s World Cup opener, the injury likely falls into the Grade 1 category. With the tournament kickoff just six weeks away, a three-week recovery would allow Yamal enough time for a brief reconditioning period before the group stage begins.

However, if the diagnosis is closer to a Grade 2 strain, Yamal’s status becomes a race against time. A recovery hitting the upper end of that eight-week window would see him miss the entire group stage, where Spain are set to face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.

2026 World Cup casualty list: Major names sidelined

While Yamal battles to get fit, several other stars have already seen their World Cup dreams extinguished. Here is a look at the high-profile players officially ruled out for June’s tournament in North America:

• Rodrygo (Brazil / Real Madrid): Sidelined by a torn ACL suffered in March 2026.
• Hugo Ekitike (France / Liverpool): Out with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
• Samu Aghehowa (Spain / FC Porto): Missing the tournament following a February ACL tear.
• Cameron Carter-Vickers (USA / Celtic): A massive blow for the co-hosts following an Achilles rupture.
• Luis Angel Malagon (Mexico / Club América): Mexico lose their projected starting keeper to an Achilles tear.

While Barcelona have yet to release an official medical report, Mundo Deportivo reports that Yamal may have suffered a tear in his left hamstring. Early estimates suggest a recovery period of at least five weeks.

If this timeline holds true, Yamal would miss the final six games of the season. This includes the high-stakes El Clásico on May 10. Despite holding a nine-point lead over Real Madrid, losing their most dynamic playmaker for the title run-in is a significant blow to Hansi Flick’s plans.

Hansi Flick on Yamal’s injury

Following the match, Flick remained cautious, noting that a clear diagnosis would only be available after further testing on Thursday. “Am I worried about Lamine? We have to see tomorrow what will happen,” Flick stated. “We must accept it; it’s not easy. It’s unfortunate for us because he is a very important player, just like Joao [Cancelo]. I hope the injury is not too serious”.

The injury crisis isn’t limited to Yamal; Joao Cancelo also sparked fears for Barcelona and the Portuguese national team after being forced off just 20 minutes into the match. The club expects to provide a full update on both players following tomorrow’s evaluations.

Barcelona nearing another title

Despite the injury setbacks, Barcelona remain in the driver’s seat for a second consecutive LaLiga crown. With a nine-point cushion over Real Madrid, Flick’s men are on the verge of history. If Barcelona win four of their remaining six matches, they will officially secure their 29th league title, regardless of Real Madrid’s results.

In the 40th minute, Barcelona were awarded a penalty kick, and Yamal wasted no time stepping up to the spot. While he successfully beat the Celta goalkeeper to give his side the lead, he was seen grimacing and clutching his left foot immediately after the strike.

Yamal now 16 goals in 28 LaLiga appearances for Barcelona this season. Coupled with 11 assists, the Catalan phenom has been indispensable, leaving fans and coaching staff alike holding their breath as they await an update on his availability for the crucial fixtures ahead.

Medical emergency halts play in Barcelona-Celta Vigo clash

In addition to the injury concern surrounding Lamine Yamal, a medical emergency in the stands forced a lengthy delay following Yamal’s opening goal for Barcelona. Play was suspended for over 10 minutes just as the fourth official announced stoppage time, eventually forcing the first half to extend into a rare 66th minute as medics tended to a supporter in the crowd.

However, the focus has quickly shifted to the medical report regarding Yamal. With Barcelona locked in a tight LaLiga title race in the final weeks of the season, losing the teenage phenom would be a devastating blow to the club’s championship aspirations.

Lamine Yamal’s injury history

Today’s premature exit adds another chapter to a mounting injury history for the young star. Despite his age, Yamal has faced several stints on the sidelines during his tenure with the first team. Here is the full list of injuries he has dealt with to date:

• November 2025: Groin/Pubalgia
• October 2025: Aggravation of groin injury
• September 2025: Muscle discomfort
• Late 2024 (Nov – Jan): Recurring ankle injuries
• October 2024: Minor muscle strain
• February 2024: Foot contusion
• October 2023: Hip flexor injury
• October 2023: Gastrointestinal illness

In the wake of the crushing elimination, Yamal took to social media to address the supporters and process the defeat. “We gave it our all, but it wasn’t enough,” the 18-year-old wrote the morning after Barcelona’s elimination against Atletico Madrid. “This is part of the journey. To reach the top, you have to climb, and we know it won’t be easy. Giving up, however, is not an option.”

Yamal’s message also looked toward the future, as he vowed to return the club to its former glory while citing a lesson learned from his father. “We are Barca, and we will be back where we belong,” he added. “My parents taught me that a man’s word is his bond… and we will deliver on that promise to Barcelona.”

While Yamal’s individual rise remains a bright spot, the reality is that the phenom’s wait for a European title continues. For the Culers, it marks another season without continental silverware. Despite domestic success in La Liga and the Copa del Rey in recent years, a trophy in Europe—including the Europa League stint under Xavi Hernandez—remains elusive.

Barca’s last Champions League triumph

Barcelona’s last taste of European glory came during the 2014-2015 season, powered by the legendary ‘MSN’ trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar Jr. That campaign culminated in Berlin, where Barca defeated Juventus in a high-octane final to hoist ‘La Orejona.‘

During that era, the three superstars were the undisputed face of world soccer. Neymar was arguably at the peak of his powers, Suarez was the most clinical finisher on the planet, and Messi continued to redefine the sport on a weekly basis.

The trophy cabinet since 2015

While the Champions League trophy has stayed out of reach for over a decade, Barcelona have remained a force in domestic competitions. Since their last European crown, the club has amassed 19 trophies across all competitions:

• International Titles
  • FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2015
  • UEFA Super Cup (1): 2015
• Domestic Titles (La Liga)
  • La Liga (5): 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2022–23, 2024–25
• Domestic Cups
  • Copa del Rey (6): 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21, 2024–25
  • Supercopa de España (6): 2016, 2018, 2023, 2025, 2026

While Yamal has already played in three UEFA Champions League seasons without winning the title, Barcelona won it in Messi’s second season with the first team.

That 2006 triumph sparks debate though, since Messi didn’t play in the final. The first Champions League trophy Barcelona lifted with the Argentine star on the field came in 2009, during Messi’s fifth season with the senior squad.

Yamal’s Champions League results with Barcelona so far

Yamal’s first UEFA Champions League season ended with a quarterfinal exit against Paris Saint-Germain. Firmly established as a starter in his second campaign with the first team, Yamal and Barcelona went a bit further in the 2024-25 season but still fell short of the decider, losing to Inter Milan in the semifinals.

With the number 10 on his back, the Spanish sensation hoped to lead Barca to the promised land once and for all, but Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid held on to their aggregate lead to upset the Cules again in 2026.

Messi’s first Champions League results before first final win

On the other hand, Messi saw Barcelona fall in the round of 16 during his first season as a pro. The team won the title the following year, with the Argentine missing the final against Arsenal due to a hamstring injury.

Following a lackluster 2006-07 campaign where Barca lost in the round of 16, Messi and company reached the semifinals but lost to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United, who ended up lifting the trophy in 2008.

Then Pep Guardiola arrived and Barcelona went on to redeem themselves against the Red Devils, with Messi scoring the game-winning header in the 2009 UCL final.

The 8x Ballon d’Or winner went on to win two more Champions League titles with Barcelona, helping the club beat Manchester United again in 2011 before a big win over Juventus in 2015. That remains the last UCL success to date for Barcelona, who hope Yamal eventually leads the Blaugrana back to the top.

Messi’s age in first UCL final win proves Yamal has time

Even though the recent loss hurts, the future is still bright for Barcelona as long as they have Yamal. At only 18, the Spanish gem looks destined for big things in the beautiful game.

Messi was 21 years old in the first Champions League final he played in and won with Barcelona. Therefore, there’s no reason to panic. Yamal is still young, and it could be just a matter of time before he and Barca get over the hump.

“LeBron is one of the figures who inspires me for tomorrow’s game, and that’s why I chose him,” Yamal told reporters during Monday’s press conference. “I’m thinking about how he orchestrated that comeback, and hopefully, I can do the same.”

Between a viral change to his social media profile picture and a perceived challenge issued to Diego Simeone, the 18-year-old has significantly heightened the tension surrounding a match where both clubs are desperate to end their recent semifinal droughts.

Barcelona will lean heavily on Yamal to produce at an elite level, especially with Hansi Flick facing a depleted roster. The Catalan giants will be without Pau Cubarsi (red card suspension) and the injured duo of Raphinha and Andreas Christensen for the pivotal clash at Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Chasing the ghost of 2016

Yamal’s reference points to the 2016 NBA Finals, where LeBron’s Cleveland Cavaliers faced a Golden State Warriors squad that had just set a record for the winningest regular season in history (73–9). Trailing 3-1 in the series, James and Kyrie Irving found another gear; James poured in back-to-back 41-point performances in Games 5 and 6 to force a decider.

The climax of that comeback featured “The Block,” LeBron’s legendary chasedown rejection of Andre Iguodala in the closing minutes of Game 7. The play preserved a tie game and stands as the defining defensive moment of his storied career.

Cleveland eventually secured the 93–89 victory on the Warriors’ home floor. James capped the historic rally with a triple-double (27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists), famously collapsing in tears and shouting, “Cleveland, this is for you!”

Avoiding a repeat of cup heartbreak

When asked about Barca’s previous elimination from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Atletico, Yamal reflected on the tactical adjustments necessary to avoid a similar fate in the European theatre.

“We want to avoid a repeat of what happened in the Cup, but not just for that reason, this club belongs at the top of the Champions League,” Yamal remarked. “The hunger to qualify is massive. We are FC Barcelona, and we expect to be in the final four.”

“I feel great! Let’s see if Simeone does me a favor and gives me some one-on-one looks tomorrow,” Yamal joked during the pre-match press conference ahead of the decisive continental clash.

Barcelona will need their star man at his best, as they must overcome a steep deficit to punch their ticket to the semifinals. To advance in regulation, the Blaugrana require a three-goal victory. Anything less than that could lead to 30 minutes of extra time and a potential penalty shootout should the aggregate score remain level.

Following a bruising first-leg defeat highlighted by a Julian Alvarez wondergoal, Barcelona arrive in Madrid needing a perfect performance. The Culers face an uphill battle at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, looking to continue a trend that has seen Barcelona dominate their recent head-to-head matchups this season.

Yamal remains confident in the ‘remontada’

While the task is daunting, Yamal insists that a Barcelona comeback is well within reach. “We shouldn’t believe that turning this tie around is some sort of miracle,” the Barcelona standout told reporters, echoing the club’s historic resilience in European play.

The club is no stranger to epic turnarounds, most notably the 2017 “remontada” against PSG. After falling 4-0 in the first leg, the team secured a legendary 6-1 victory in the return fixture. While the club’s last Champions League trophy came back in 2015, that spirit of defiance remains a core part of its identity.

Barcelona hold the upper hand in the series

The intensity of this rivalry has reached a fever pitch this year. The historic friction between Catalonia and Madrid always adds flavor to the fixture, but in recent years, Atletico have emerged as a consistent thorn in Barcelona’s side, rivaling the traditional Clasico intensity of Real Madrid.

This season alone, the head-to-head record has tilted heavily in favor of Hansi Flick’s men. Here is a look at how the campaign has unfolded between these two Spanish giants so far:

The March FIFA window was a massive success for Les Bleus. France faced two high-caliber opponents and emerged victorious in both, defeating Brazil and Colombia. These wins provided a significant points boost, allowing them to leapfrog both Spain and Argentina in the standings.

Conversely, Luis de la Fuente’s men saw their ranking suffer. While they gained 1.94 points from a dominant 3–0 win over Serbia, the subsequent stalemate against Egypt proved costly, resulting in a loss of 2.73 points and the loss of their throne.

Argentina also enjoyed a perfect record this window, but the caliber of their opposition limited their progress. Lionel Scaloni’s men gained only 0.63 points from a 2–1 victory over Mauritania and 0.86 points from a 5–0 thrashing of Zambia. The Albiceleste, who held the top spot for much of the post-World Cup era, now sit firmly in third.

How each star performed

Mbappe proved to be the catalyst for France’s climb to the top of the FIFA rankings. The Real Madrid forward was in world-class form during the 2–1 victory over Brazil at the Gillette Stadium, where he scored the opening goal and was named Man of the Match, leading Les Bleus through their toughest test of the window.

In Argentina, Messi continued to be the heartbeat of his team during their 5–0 rout of Zambia. The captain provided the assist for Julian Alvarez’s opener before finding the net himself for the second.

In a moment that captured the headlines, Messi waived his chance to score a second from the penalty spot, instead handing the ball to Nicolas Otamendi, allowing the veteran to score in his emotional final appearance for the national team on Argentine soil.

It was a more frustrated window for Yamal and Spain. The Barcelona starlet struggled to make an impact, failing to record a goal or an assist in the 3–0 win over Serbia or the disappointing draw against Egypt.

Beyond the pitch, Yamal made waves by calling out a section of the crowd following controversial chants during the game vs Egypt, marking a difficult end to a window that saw Spain lose their world No. 1 status.

“I am Muslim,” he started. “Yesterday at the stadium, the chant ‘whoever doesn’t jump is Muslim’ could be heard. I understand it was aimed at the opposing team and not something personal against me, but as a Muslim, it is still a sign of disrespect and something unacceptable.”

He also stated that he is firmly opposed to any chants with racist undertones. “I understand that not all fans are like this, but to those who chant these things: using a religion as a punchline in a stadium makes you look ignorant and racist. Soccer is meant to be enjoyed and to support your team—not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe.”

The fallout from his remarks was immediate. Players of the caliber of Alejandro Balde and Marc Bernal—both teammates of Yamal at Barcelona—voiced their support for his stance.

Spain set their sights on the World Cup

After wrapping up their two international friendlies, all eyes now turn to the World Cup. Spain secured a 3–0 victory over Serbia prior to their aforementioned clash with Egypt.

The Spain national football team, led by Luis de la Fuente, will be the top seed in Group H. There, it is set to face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

• vs Cape Verde, June 15th (Atlanta)
• vs Saudi Arabia, June 21st (Atlanta)
• vs Uruguay, June 26th (Guadalajara)