Lamine Yamal is officially out for today’s El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid after suffering a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the 2025-26 LaLiga season. Make sure to follow our liveblog of Barcelona vs Real Madrid to get minute-by-minute updates!
The teenage star picked up the injury during Barcelona’s win over Celta in April and has not recovered in time for one of the biggest matches of the year. He won’t be the only notable absentee on the field though, as Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe isn’t playing today either.
The absence is a major blow for Hansi Flick’s side because he had become one of Barcelona’s defining players throughout the season. Before the injury, the Spanish international was enjoying another breakout campaign.
When and how did Lamine Yamal get injured?
Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg while scoring a penalty for Barcelona against Celta Vigo on April 22. Barcelona later confirmed the injury after medical tests revealed damage to the hamstring, forcing him to miss El Clasico.
Lamine Yamal reacts to an injury during the LaLiga EA Sports match (Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
While celebrating and attempting to continue playing, the Barcelona winger immediately showed signs of discomfort before eventually being substituted.
Early reports described the issue as a Grade 2 hamstring injury, one of the most delicate muscle problems for explosive attacking players because of the risk of aggravation.
Barcelona’s medical staff quickly decided on a conservative recovery plan. The club officially announced that he would miss the rest of the LaLiga season but is still expected to recover in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain.
When will Lamine Yamal return to play?
Lamine Yamal is expected to return in June 2026. He will not play again for Barcelona this season, but current reports indicate the injury is not expected to jeopardize his participation in the summer tournament.
Barcelona have reportedly coordinated closely with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente regarding his recovery timeline. According to multiple reports, he is expected to gradually return to training during the final weeks of May before increasing his workload ahead of the World Cup.
How was Lamine Yamal performing this season?
Lamine Yamal was enjoying one of the best seasons of his young career before the injury, emerging as one of Barcelona’s most important attacking players. He consistently contributed goals, assists and match-winning moments while becoming a central figure in Hansi Flick’s attack.
Lamine Yamal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match (Source: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
His ability to create chances off the dribble, attack defenders in transition and deliver in big matches made him one of the breakout stars of LaLiga once again. Barcelona increasingly relied on his creativity in high-pressure moments.
He continued improving statistically compared to previous seasons. Alongside experienced stars like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, he became one of the leaders of Barcelona’s new generation despite still being a teenager.
How to watch El Clasico and what time does it start?
El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid will kick off on Sunday, May 10 at 9:00 PM local time in Spain, which is 3:00 PM ET in the United States. It will take place at Spotify Camp Nou and could decide the 2025-26 LaLiga title race.
In the United States, fans can watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid live on ESPN platforms, with pregame coverage beginning before kickoff. The match is expected to draw one of the biggest global television audiences.
