Yamal determined to return stronger after ankle injury

Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has pledged to return stronger following the ankle injury he sustained earlier this month during a La Liga fixture.

The 17-year-old winger, who played a vital role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, suffered the injury on 15 December in Barcelona's 1-0 home defeat to Leganés.

The setback occurred after a challenge left Yamal clutching his right ankle, with the club later confirming he would be sidelined for up to four weeks.

In a video shared by Barcelona on social media on 22 December, Yamal expressed his determination to recover fully.

"I am in a recovery process which I am very sure I will come back better from and with more determination," he said. "When you stop playing for a while, that's when you realise your work, what you are doing, and I will come back better than ever."

Reflecting on the incident, Yamal described it as a matter of unfortunate timing.

"I think it was just bad luck. In the end, it was from a hit I took on the ankle, but these things happen, it can happen to anyone," he remarked.

Yamal has been instrumental for Barcelona this season, amassing six goals and 12 assists in just 20 appearances.

However, his absence was keenly felt as Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid at home on 21 December in their final La Liga match of the year.

The Catalan giants will hope to have Yamal back in action soon, with important fixtures looming.

They are set to face fourth-tier Barbastro in the Copa del Rey last 32 on 4 January before travelling to Jeddah for the Spanish Super Cup.