Barcelona have lost Lamine Yamal to injury for the rest of the season but the teenager is expected to be fit in time to feature for Spain at World Cup 2026 this summer.

The Catalan giants and the national team have clashed over the use of Yamal throughout this season and there may now be more tension following the teenager’s latest injury setback.

According to Diario Sport, Barcelona have already asked the RFEF to “act with maximum caution” when it comes to Yamal’s return to action.

Yamal is expected to be out of action for six weeks, with Spain’s first World Cup fixture set to take place against Cape Verde – in 52 days’ time.

Barca’s feeling is that Yamal should be used sparingly in Spain’s opening games of the competition so that he can be 100% ready by the time the knockout rounds roll around, provided La Roja make it through of course.

The Catalans are desperate to avoid Yamal suffering a recurrence of his injury, and there have already been warnings that the relapse rate is quite high, but they also want him to be in good shape for the start of the new La Liga season.

The report adds that Barca have already appointed a physio to supervise Yamal’s recovery and the staff member could even accompany the teenager to the United States this season with the Spain squad.