Lamine Yamal could not complete the match against Celta de Vigo. Immediately after scoring, from a penalty, his 24th goal of the season —his 16th in the league—, Barcelona’s number 10 looked at the bench. He made a hand gesture to ask for a substitution and fell to the ground. The Camp Nou went silent. The concern, which had started on the pitch, spread to the stands: the match was stopped for 15 minutes to attend to a fan who was stabilized by medical services after suffering cardiorespiratory arrest. “We have to see tomorrow what happens with Lamine when we have a clear diagnosis. It’s not easy, we have to accept it. Just like with Joao [Cancelo, replaced in the 23rd minute]. Let’s hope they are not serious injuries,” commented Hansi Flick.
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While Lamine Yamal undergoes new tests at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper this Thursday morning, Barcelona’s doctors indicated, after an initial examination at Camp Nou, “an injury to the hamstring of the left leg.” However, they have not yet determined the severity. “He felt something. In fact, he wouldn’t leave without a reason. There is an injury and we have to wait until tomorrow to know how long he will be out,” insisted the Barça coach. Lamine Yamal could miss next Sunday’s Clásico on May 10 at Camp Nou.
“Lamine, for me, is the best. Of course, it’s a blow for us because he is a very important player. He was affected in the locker room. I don’t know how long the injury will be, but I hope it’s as short as possible because we need him,” added Gavi, who was substituted at halftime. Barcelona struggled to get going with Lamine on the field and also without him. However, after the break, the Barça team controlled the match better, especially after Frenkie de Jong came on. The Dutchman played his 293rd match and became the player from his country with the most appearances in the club’s history, surpassing Phillip Cocu.
“Normally we have control of the game. They pressed us high with a lot of intensity. It’s not easy to create play and chances. We lost some easy balls and that wasn’t good for us,” commented Flick. He concluded: “We had two injuries in the first half and that affects the team. We fought together and were very good in the second half, without losing easy balls. We can do better because we have quality, but my feeling is that the second goal, Ferran’s, is legal. I would like an explanation of why it’s offside. I’ve seen the photo, the same one you’ve seen.”
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