Barcelona’s hopes of retaining top spot in La Liga received a massive jolt as Lamine Yamal was ruled out of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Atletico Madrid with an ankle injury.
The 17-year-old picked up the injury in Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to Leganes on Sunday and was taken off in the 75th minute.
Medical tests on Monday confirmed a grade one ligament tear in Yamal’s ankle, with the club announcing he will be out for three to four weeks.
This is another injury setback for the youngster, who missed three matches last month due to a separate ankle issue.
Yamal’s absence is a huge blow for the La Liga leaders, given how important he has been to their campaign under Hansi Flick.
He has bagged six goals and 12 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions this season.
Yamal is second at Barcelona in chances created (29) behind Raphinha (60) and top in completed dribbles with 51.
Barcelona have confirmed the injury in an official statement: “Tests carried out this morning have shown a grade one injury to the anterior tibiofibular ligament.
“The player is expected to be out for three to four weeks.”
The timing of the injury could not be worse, with Atletico set to visit the Camp Nou on Saturday.
The two sides are level on points at the top of the table, but Atletico have a game in hand.
Yamal will miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey tie against Barbastro but is expected to return in time for their Champions League clash with Benfica in mid-January.
