Why isn’t Lamine Yamal playing for Barcelona against Real Madrid in El Clásico today?

For the first time in LaLiga history, the outcome of El Clásico could crown the league champions. Eleven points clear of Real Madrid with 12 points still on the table, Barcelona will clinch the title by avoiding defeat against Los Blancos at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday.

With Kylian Mbappé, Fede Valverde and Arda Güler all missing for Álvaro Arbeloa’s side, Barça are strong favorites to get the result they need. However, they will themselves be without arguably their most important player, the injured Lamine Yamal.

How did Lamine Yamal get injured?

Yamal is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in the win over Celta Vigo on April 22. The Spanish winger pulled up after scoring the match-winning penalty and was immediately attended to by the club’s medical staff. He hobbled off the field and did not return.

Subsequent tests found that Yamal suffered a left hamstring tear, an injury that typically requires around two months on the sidelines. That rules the youngster out for the remainder of Barcelona’s season, including Sunday’s potentially title-clinching showdown against Real Madrid.

A Barcelona statement confirmed the extent of the injury: “The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. He will miss the remainder of the league season but is expected to be available for the World Cup.”

Raphinha’s El Clásico return

Yamal’s absence is offset somewhat by the expected return of Raphinha, who has been dealing with his own hamstring tear over the last six weeks. The Brazilian has been included in Hansi Flick’s squad for the game, although a place on the bench appears the most realistic scenario.

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