Yamal Out for Three Weeks, to Miss Spain’s World Cup Qualifiers

Barcelona forward, Lamine Yamal has been ruled out of Spain’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria after suffering a setback in his recovery from a groin injury.

The 18-year-old winger sustained a recurrence of the problem during Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, his first start since August. Barcelona confirmed on Friday that he will be sidelined for up to three weeks.

Yamal had previously missed four matches due to the injury before being declared fit enough to feature against PSG. His return, however, proved short-lived, as discomfort forced him off, leaving both club and country without one of their brightest young talents.

The situation has reportedly frustrated Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, who believes Yamal’s condition was aggravated by his participation in Spain’s September World Cup qualifiers, despite concerns over his fitness.

Spain, currently leading their qualifying group, will face a tough challenge as they prepare to compete against Georgia and Bulgaria later this month without the presence of their teenage sensation, Yamal. His absence is particularly impactful because Yamal has been a key figure in Spain’s recent successes, offering creativity, energy, and skill in midfield or attack that has helped propel the team to the top of their group. Losing such a promising young talent at a crucial stage in the qualifiers could affect Spain’s ability to maintain their dominant position and secure qualification with confidence.

Moreover, Yamal’s unavailability doesn’t just affect the national team; it also deals a significant blow to his club, Barcelona. As one of the most demanding clubs in the world, Barcelona relies heavily on their key players to perform consistently across multiple competitions — including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. With a congested fixture list and intense physical and mental demands, every absence can disrupt the squad’s rhythm and force tactical adjustments.

Yamal’s creativity and versatility have made him an important asset for Barcelona’s midfield and attacking options, so his absence could complicate the team’s efforts to manage their demanding schedule and maintain strong performances on all fronts.