Barcelona are dealt major injury scare moments before Champions League semi-final clash with Inter Milan as Lamine Yamal appears to suffer groin issue during warm-up

By LEWIS BROWNING

Barcelona were dealt a major injury scare just moments before the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash with Inter Milan as Lamine Yamal pulled up in the warm-up.

The 17-year-old was preparing to play his 100th game for Barca, but appeared to suffer a groin issue during the pre-match preparations, and he headed town the tunnel early without his team-mates.

Yamal was seen speaking to a coach and holding his groin, before stretching out in a bid to solve the issue. It appeared to happen when he slipped while he was taking a shot in the warm-ups.

He removed his shirt and headed down the tunnel, but UEFA confirmed there were no changes to the line-up and Yamal walked out with his team as expected.

His 100th appearance was confirmed as the first whistle was blown, and the teenager was running early on without any signs of real issue.

It ended up being a boost for Barcelona as they looked to take a home advantage into the second leg, but Marcus Thuram netted the opener just 30 seconds into the game with a classy flick.

Barcelona were dealt a major injury scare before their semi-final clash with PSG as Lamine Yamal pulled up during the warm-up

Yamal appeared to suffer an issue with his groin, and left the warm-up early to head down the tunnel without his team-mates

Yamal did, though, start the game – his 100th Barca appearance – easing any fears he may have been injured

It came when Inigo Martínez slipped as he approached a ball into the box, with Thuram flicking on the half-volley past Wojciech Szczesny in the Barcelona goal.

TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher noted how the pitch was very wet before kick-off, which could have caused Yamal to slip.

So far this season, Yamal has netted 14 goals in 48 games for Barca, also picking up 24 assists for a side who are chasing the Treble.

In the Champions League semi-final, they are also top of LaLiga and won the Copa del Rey last week, beating rivals Real Madrid in the final.

They have particularly enjoyed success in front of goal, with the likes of Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski – who is currently injured – impressing. 

Rio Ferdinand had heaped praise on the teenager before the game, telling TNT Sports: ‘We had a walk down to the city centre but you can tell there is a superstar in this town

‘A void was left when Lionel Messi left. I’m not saying he is a ready-made replacement, but he is doing things at 17 we have never ever seen before.’

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Barcelona are dealt major injury scare moments before Champions League semi-final clash with Inter Milan as Lamine Yamal appears to suffer groin issue during warm-up

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