Yamal ruled out of Atletico clash after picking up ankle injury

Barcelona confirmed that Lamine Yamal suffered an ankle injury during their 1-0 defeat to Leganes, meaning he will miss their top-of-the table clash with Atletico Madrid.

Yamal was replaced by Gavi at the 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 term.

"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."

MEDICAL NEWS The first team player Lamine Yamal received a blow to the right ankle during the game against CD Leganés on Sunday. Tests carried out on Monday have revealed that the player has a grade 1 injury to a ligament in the ankle. The player is expected to be out for 3… pic.twitter.com/IAFD0pWFSS

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 16, 2024

Yamal previously missed three games for Barcelona last month with a different ankle injury, with his latest issue a huge blow for the LaLiga leaders.

Flick's side face Atletico Madrid, who are level on points with the Blaugrana at the summit of the standings, this Saturday at the Camp Nou.

A defeat for Barcelona would see them relinquish top spot, with Diego Simeone's team also having the luxury of a game in hand over their title rivals.

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.