Yamal out for season with hamstring injury, expected back for World Cup

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of the season with a left hamstring injury, but he's expected to be ready for the World Cup this summer, the club announced Thursday.

Yamal, 18, was injured while scoring a penalty in Barcelona's 1-0 league win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday.

"Tests have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg," Barca said. "The player will undergo conservative treatment. Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of the season and is expected to be available for the World Cup."

The World Cup begins June 11.

Spain, one of the tournament favorites, opens its campaign June 15 against Cape Verde. The Spaniards also meet Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.

Yamal won and converted the spot-kick that eventually resulted in his injury Wednesday. The goal, his 16th league tally of the campaign, helped Barcelona extend their lead atop the table to nine points over rivals Real Madrid.

But as he turned away to celebrate, he pulled up and gestured to the sideline that he had an issue before crumpling to the turf and grabbing at his leg. He eventually walked off the pitch alongside the team's medical staff.

"I wish him the best of luck," Barca and Spain teammate Pedri said after the match. "He needs to remain calm because he's young and will surely recover well."