Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal's World Cup participation has been thrown into jeopardy after injuring his hamstring during Barcelona's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo.
The 18-year-old converted from the spot in the 40th minute to score the game's only goal before immediately pulling up and signalling to the bench.
What is Lamine Yamal's injury?
While the severity is still to be confirmed, Lamine Yamal has suffered a hamstring injury.
How long will Lamine Yamal be out for?
The duration of Yamal's is still to be confirmed, though Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said after the win over Celta Vigo: "We have to wait.
"We have to see what it is. I think there's something, because he felt it and after the goal he would not leave the pitch without a reason. Hopefully, it's not so bad."
Even minor hamstring injuries tend to keep players out of action for around three weeks, by which point Barcelona will likely have the league wrapped up, and Yamal may prefer to focus on getting fit for the World Cup.
Which fixtures will he miss?
- Getafe v Barcelona - 25th April
- Osasuna v Barcelona - 2nd May
- Barcelona v Real Madrid - 10th May
- Alaves v Barcelona - 13th May
- Barcelona v Real Betis - 17th May
- Valencia v Barcelona - 24th May
Standard hamstring injury recovery time
Hamstring injuries are amongst the most common injuries professional footballers experience with a wide range of recovery times. Injuries are graded with grade 1 a mild injury, grade 2 a moderate injury and grade 3 being a total tear. Chelsea star Estevao suffered a grade 4 tear recently, which also involves tendon ruptures and is the most serious.
Mild strains can result in a week or so on the sidelines, though generally they require three weeks to get back to full fitness to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
More severe tears can result in two or three months out.
