Yamal to miss Atleti showdown with ankle injury
Barcelona have been handed a huge injury blow ahead of facing Atletico Madrid, with winger Lamine Yamal expected to be sidelined until 2025.
Yamal was replaced by Gavi at Camp Nou in the 75th minute, with tests revealing that the 17 year-old had sustained a grade one ligament tear in his ankle.
The teenager has been in impressive form for Hansi Flick's side this season, registering 18 goal involvements (six goals, 12 assists) in 21 appearances in all competitions.
In LaLiga, only Raphinha (60) has created more chances than Yamal (29) for Barcelona, while the Spaniard tops the division for the most completed dribbles (51) this season.
"Tests carried out this morning have shown a grade one injury to the anterior tibiofibular ligament," Barcelona said in a club statement on Monday.
"The player is expected to be out for three to four weeks."
Yamal previously missed three games for Barcelona last month with a different ankle injury, with his latest issue a huge blow for the LaLiga leader.
Flick's side faces Atletico Madrid, level on points with the Blaugrana at the summit of the standings, on Sunday at the Camp Nou.
A defeat for Barcelona would see it relinquish top spot, with Diego Simeone's team also having the luxury of a game in hand over its title rival.
Yamal will also miss Barcelona's Copa del Rey tie against Barbastro, but should be fit to face Benfica in the Champions League in mid-January.
