New Delhi: Barcelona’s hopes for a successful 2024 calendar year have taken a hit with the recent injury to their star striker Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old forward was beginning to rediscover his form after recovering from a previous injury but was forced off the field during Barca’s 1-0 defeat to Leganes at the Estadi Olimpic. This latest setback has raised serious concerns about his fitness and availability for the crucial upcoming fixtures.
Yamal’s season has already been marred by injury just last month he sustained an ankle injury during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade, sidelining him for nearly three weeks. His return to action was eagerly anticipated but the teenager’s fitness has once again been called into question after he suffered a fresh blow to the same ankle yesterday.
Golden boy moment
Before the match against Leganes, Lamine Yamal had an emotional moment when he presented the Golden Boy 2024 award to Barcelona fans. At just 17 Yamal has already achieved extraordinary feats becoming one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His rise to prominence last season including breaking multiple records earned him the prestigious award which recognizes the best under-21 player in Europe.
Lamine Yamal. Golden Boy. pic.twitter.com/7oQ2kSan0h
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 15, 2024
On Sunday, December 15, the winger was presented the award by Federico Vincenzoni, Chief Executive Officer of Tuttosport before the Barcelona-Leganes match. Although the club opted not to attend the award ceremony due to logistical issues, Yamal was still able to share the moment with the supporters at Montjuic. The young star received a warm and thunderous ovation as he proudly showed off his award. Unfortunately, just hours later he would suffer another injury setback.
What next for Barcelona?
The latest defeat to Leganes has not only placed a dent in Barcelona’s hopes of challenging for the La Liga title but has also left them pondering their options without Yamal. With only goal difference separating them from Atletico Madrid, the loss has complicated their position in the title race. The Catalan giants have now won only one of their last six league matches making the upcoming clash against Atletico Madrid on December 21 even more crucial.
With the game only a week away, there is growing concern that the teenager may not be able to feature. As reported, Yamal will undergo further medical tests to assess the extent of his right ankle injury which he suffered after a strong tackle in the 15th minute of the Leganes match. Although Yamal initially managed to continue playing he was eventually substituted in the 75th minute as he was unable to carry on any longer due to the pain.
The timing of the injury couldn’t be worse for Barcelona. Yamal’s presence on the pitch has been instrumental to their offensive play and his absence for an extended period would further deplete the team’s attacking options. Barcelona will now wait anxiously for the results of Yamal’s medical tests, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst at the same time.
If the injury proves to be serious it will be a significant blow to the team’s aspirations, particularly in light of their recent poor form in the league. Without their young star, Barcelona may need to dig deep and rely on their other attacking options to find a way to get past Atletico Madrid and keep their title hopes alive.
Barcelona faces uncertainty over Lamine Yamal’s fitness after his injury in the 1-0 loss to Leganes ahead of their crucial clash with Atletico Madrid. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
