Yamal breaks silence after season-ending injury setback

Lamine Yamal has admitted his frustration at being sidelined for the rest of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury, saying he is “hurt” by his inability to support his teammates on the pitch. The 18-year-old forward, a key figure in FC Barcelona’s campaign, shared an emotional message with fans on Instagram following the setback. […]

Lamine Yamal has admitted his frustration at being sidelined for the rest of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury, saying he is “hurt” by his inability to support his teammates on the pitch.

The 18-year-old forward, a key figure in FC Barcelona’s campaign, shared an emotional message with fans on Instagram following the setback.

Yamal scored the decisive goal in Barcelona’s 1–0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday night but was substituted immediately after and walked straight down the tunnel, raising early concerns about the severity of the injury.

Subsequent checks confirmed a hamstring problem that will keep him out for the remainder of the season.

“There were fears initially, but it’s now confirmed to be a hamstring injury,” the club indicated, ruling out any long-term concern such as missing the 2026 World Cup.

Despite Barcelona holding a nine-point lead at the top of La Liga ahead of rivals Real Madrid—with another El Clásico still to come—Yamal said he remains confident his teammates can finish the job.

“This injury has sidelined me at the exact moment I most wanted to be there, and it hurts more than words can say,” he wrote.

“It hurts not being able to fight alongside my teammates, not being able to help when the team needs me. But I believe in them and I know they’ll give their all in every match.”

The teenager added that he will continue to support the squad from the sidelines and is already focused on returning stronger next season.

“I’ll be there, even if it’s from the sidelines, supporting, cheering, and pushing them on like any other fan.

“This isn’t the end, it’s just a pause. I’ll come back stronger, more eager than ever, and next season will be even better.”

Yamal has been one of Barcelona’s standout performers this season, making 40 appearances—fourth-most in the squad—scoring 24 goals, including 16 in La Liga, and providing 18 assists across all competitions.