Yamal injured while converting penalty for Barcelona

MADRID (AP) — Barcelona restored its nine-point lead over Real Madrid in the Spanish league on Wednesday with a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo during which Lamine Yamal and João Cancelo were injured before halftime.

Yamal was hurt while converting a penalty that secured Barcelona’s eighth straight league victory.

Spain forward Yamal and Portugal defender Cancelo had to be replaced with apparent muscle ailments that raise concerns ahead of the World Cup in June. There were no immediate details about the severity of their injuries.

Yamal converted his penalty in the 40th minute and immediately looked to the bench and signalled that he was hurt. He dropped to the ground as his teammates arrived to celebrate, then appeared to grab the back of his left leg.

Yamal left the field on his own after being attended by doctors. He talked briefly with coach Hansi Flick on the sidelines before walking into the locker-room tunnel by himself.

Cancelo had already been replaced in the 24th for an apparent muscle injury to his right leg.

The match was stopped for about 15 minutes shortly after Yamal converted the penalty because a fan had to be attended by doctors in the stands.

Madrid had moved within six points of the lead with a 2-1 home win against Alaves on Tuesday. There are six rounds left.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer