FC Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo at Spotify Camp Nou, with Lamine Yamal scoring from the spot in the 40th minute to stretch their La Liga lead to nine points over Real Madrid.

The 18-year-old right-winger exited in stoppage time with a suspected left hamstring tear, which could sideline him for 3-5 weeks and threaten his spots in El Clasico on May 10 and Spain’s World Cup opener.

renowned Spanish orthopedic surgeon and sports traumatologist based in Madrid Dr Ripoll analyses read: “Lamine Yamal’s injury has a 30% recurrence rate, so extreme caution is needed with recovery timelines.

“If the injury is in the muscle belly, the prognosis is more favorable. But if it is located where the muscle meets the tendon or in the tendon itself, it could be more serious, with at least four to six weeks out.

“Given the recurrence risk, it seems difficult for him to make the World Cup squad. Maximum caution is required.”

A second-half goal by Ferran Torres was chalked off by VAR for a tight offside call, sparking fan outrage over repeated issues involving the same VAR official, while coach Hansi Flick called for an explanation amid other injuries like Joao Cancelo’s thigh knock.