Lamine Yamal Injury Update: Latest Details, Recovery Timeline and Impact on Team

Barcelona are eager to get back to winning ways in the 2025/26 La Liga when they face off against Valencia in their first home match of the campaign. However, they have suffered a major blow before the game with a new injury being suffered by their young sensation Lamine Yamal during the international break with Spain.

Lamine Yamal Injury Details

The 18-year-old Lamine Yamal had a prolific international break with Spain, even providing two assists in their 6-0 thrashing of Turkey in their recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. However, it's now being reported that Yamal sustained a groin injury during the international window and is now set to miss the upcoming game against Valencia as well.

In fact, the 18-year-old might even be out of action for the Blaugrana's first game of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League against Newcastle United at St. James Park. Barcelona head coach Hans-Dieter Flick confirmed Yamal and has taken a major swipe at Spain's management for forcing Yamal to play on with the help of painkillers, as he stated: “Spain gave Lamine painkillers, and even when they were winning, they made him play. This is not taking care of the players. Maybe they should take care of the young players. I’m very sad about what happened with Lamine this week.”

How Lamine Yamal Injury Affects Barcelona

Lamine Yamal has had a terrific start to the 2025/26 season ever since inheriting the no.10 shirt at Barcelona. He has been one of the Blaugrana's best players so far in this campaign, scoring two goals and providing three assists in just three La Liga matches so far. He has proven himself as one of Barcelona's primary assets and has earned a lot of influence over their attacking prowess with his ability in the final third.

Because of his skill set, it's tough for Barcelona to be able to find a suitable replacement for Yamal, but they will have to look at those from within to slot into the position in the absence of the Spaniard. There is a strong chance that Marcus Rashford, who joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United in the summer, gets slotted into the right-wing role to fill in for Yamal during his absence. Moreover, Ferran Torres, who normally operates as a centre-forward for the Blaugrana, can also play in the right-wing role and can fill in the position as an alternative for the 18-year-old winger.

When Will Lamine Yamal Return?

While a definitive timeline for Yamal's return from injury has not been specified yet, it appears that the groin injury suffered by the winger is not a major one. He played through the pain for Spain in the international break, meaning his issue wasn't anything really serious. Yamal is not going to be able to play in Barcelona's upcoming match against Valencia in La Liga, and remains doubtful for their Champions League opener. However, if he can push through, Yamal might even be available for the game against Newcastle United. If not that, then the 18-year-old should be able to return for Barcelona's home game against Getafe on 21 September (2025).