Earlier today, FC Barcelona announced that star winger Lamine Yamal had sustained a Grade I ligament injury in his right ankle, following a rough tackle during last night’s clash against CD Leganes.
The medical statement from the club also confirmed that the 17-year-old La Masia sensation is expected to be out for a period of three to four weeks.
It essentially rules Lamine out of this weekend’s La Liga encounter against Atletico Madrid, following which Barça will go on the Christmas break.
Upon returning, the Catalans take on UD Barbastro in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 on January 4, which the youngster is also likely to miss.
Barcelona hopeful Lamine will return for the Spanish Super Cup
Following that, Barcelona will fly to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, where they take on Athletic Club on January 8 in the semi-finals.
And, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barça are optimistic that Lamine will be fit and ready for the encounter against the Basque outfit in the Super Cup semi-final.
Lamine is out for at least three weeks. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The idea is for the player to begin treatment with the aim of being able to be ready for the semi-final against Athletic Club, which will be played at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Should the Blaugrana prevail in that encounter, they will face the winners of the second semi-final between Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca in the finals, set to be played on January 12.
In case Lamine does not recover fully in time for the semi-finals, Barcelona would hope that he is ready for the final, provided they do get past Ernesto Valverde’s men.
The La Masia crown jewel has been one of Barcelona’s most crucial players this season, racking up six goals and 12 assists across all competitions already.