Hamstrung Yamal vows to return even better
Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of Barcelona's season through injury, but he is confident of being even better upon his return to the side.
Yamal sustained the issue during Barcelona's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo, moments after opening the scoring at Camp Nou for Hansi Flick's side.
The 18 year-old is expected to return to fitness in time for Spain's World Cup campaign this summer, but will miss the remainder of the Blaugrana's LaLiga run-in.
Yamal has netted 16 top-flight goals this season, with only David Villa in 2010-2011 scoring more for Barcelona in a single season in the competition in the 21st century among Spanish players.
He has also completed more dribbles (133) than any other player in the division this season, while only Real Betis's Pablo Fornals (73) has created more chances than Yamal's 72.
"This injury is keeping me off the pitch just when I wanted to be there the most, and it hurts more than I can put into words," Yamal said in a post on Instagram.
"It hurts not to be able to fight alongside my team-mates, not to be able to help when the team needs me. But I believe in them and I know they'll give their all in every match.
"I'll be there, even if it's from the sidelines, supporting, cheering and pushing them on, just like one of the boys.
"This isn't the end, it's just a break. I'll come back stronger, more eager than ever, and next season will be better."
Barcelona has six games remaining in its season, all of which come in LaLiga, as it looks on course to retain its top-flight crown over El Clasico rival Real Madrid.
After its win over Celta, Flick's men boast a nine-point advantage at the summit, though they do have to play Los Blancos in a mouth-watering clash on 10 May.
Spain's World Cup campaign starts on 15 June against Cape Verde, while it will also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the group stage.
