"It's not a typical sprain" - Doctor provides worrying Lamine Yamal update after Barcelona star's recent injury
Dr. Ripoll, a surgeon specializing in football, has shared a worrying update about Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal's recent injury. The 17-year-old injured his ankle during the Catalans' 1-0 loss to Leganes in LaLiga on Sunday (December 15).
According to Barcelona's official website, medical tests on Monday (December 16) confirmed that Yamal has sustained a grade 1 injury in the anterior tibiofibular ligament in his right ankle. He is set to be out for three to four weeks.
The Spaniard has been a regular starter for Hansi Flick this season, contributing six goals and 12 assists in 21 outings for La Blaugrana across competitions.
However, in light of his injury, football-specializing surgeon Dr. Ripoll shared that Lamine Yamal's injury could be more serious than expected. In an interview with Spanish network Cadena SER, he explained that it could worsen if not allowed to heal completely. He said (via GOAL):
"It's not a typical sprain, it's a much more specific injury, a slight tear of the membrane that joins the tibia to the fibula, which is known as syndesmosis. The prognosis is much more uncertain."
"He has played 80 percent of the games and last year he reached 91%. [Barcelona] will do well to let him heal completely and without any rush. A diastasis can occur, which is the separation of the tibia and fibula due to the lack of this membrane, leaving the ankle in a very unstable state."
It remains to be seen how quickly Lamine Yamal can return to full fitness. The La Masia graduate should ideally be given more time to recover to avoid a situation similar to that of Ansu Fati, another promising academy talent who has struggled with recurring injuries since a crucial knee injury in 2020.
When Barcelona star Lamine Yamal detailed what he wants to achieve before 21 years of age
In an interview with Tuttosport, Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal spoke about what he wants to achieve before turning 21. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“Before the age of 21… my goal is to win the World Cup with Spain, the Champions League, and two more La Ligas with Barça. If I win the Champions League, I’ll also have more chances of winning the Ballon d’Or!”
Lamine Yamal made his senior team debut in April 2023 in a LaLiga game against Real Betis after rising through the ranks of La Masia. The Spain international has been a revelation for the Catalan giants and is often lauded for his dribbling skills and ball control. The Barcelona teenager is often compared to club legends Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.
Yamal is also the youngest player in Barcelona history to debut for the club and the youngest goalscorer in LaLiga history. He has contributed 13 goals and 21 assists in 72 outings for La Blaugrana across competitions.