Barcelona’s young star, Lamine Yamal, has become a source of growing concern for the club following a troubling injury sustained during their recent 0-1 loss to Leganés. The 17-year-old winger injured the inner ligament of his right ankle, marking his second setback in the same area this season.
Barcelona’s medical team estimates that Yamal will be sidelined for three to four weeks, though the implications of this injury go far beyond his immediate recovery timeline.
Back in November, Yamal faced a similar injury, forcing him to miss three matches. This recurrence has sparked fears among Barcelona’s staff and fans, with parallels being drawn to Frenkie de Jong’s ongoing struggles with ankle injuries.
Over the past year, De Jong has faced repeated setbacks that have not only affected his physical performance but also taken a toll on his mental state. Spanish publication Marca highlights the eerie similarity between the two cases, amplifying worries about Yamal’s long-term fitness.
Speaking on El Chiringuito, journalist José Álvarez expressed alarm over Yamal’s condition, describing it as a “syndromic injury” similar to De Jong’s. He pointed out that this injury pattern reflects deeper issues within Barcelona’s approach to managing young talents.
Álvarez emphasized that the club’s track record with players like Ansu Fati and Gavi raises red flags. Both players were pushed hard at a young age, leading to recurring injuries that hindered their development. “Has the management learned from past mistakes?” Álvarez asked rhetorically, before answering himself: “No! They’ve burned Lamine Yamal too.”
Barcelona’s reliance on Yamal has been immense, given his rapid rise and importance to the team. However, this reliance might now be coming at a cost. Club insiders fear that pushing the young winger too hard without adequate recovery time could lead to long-term consequences similar to those experienced by other young stars.
As Yamal begins his recovery, there is a pressing need for the club to reassess its handling of young players to prevent further injuries and preserve their promising futures.
Yamal’s current condition serves as a cautionary tale for Barcelona, forcing them to confront whether their management of emerging talents prioritizes immediate results over sustainable careers.
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