The 18-year-old took to social media on Thursday. “This injury has sidelined me just when I would have loved to be out there. It hurts so much,” wrote Yamal. “It hurts not to be able to fight alongside my teammates, not to be able to help when the team needs me.” He added that he will support his team-mates from the sidelines and vowed to return stronger and more motivated than ever.
Manager Hansi Flick had already expressed his regret after Barcelona’s 1-0 (1-0) win against Celta Vigo. “It’s not easy. We have to rest him. It’s a shame for us,” said Flick. Yamal had scored the winning penalty in the 40th minute on Wednesday evening, but immediately grabbed his thigh and had to leave the pitch. He had already been struggling with a groin injury earlier in the season.