Lamine Yamal’s injury opens up race for Zarra trophy; Barcelona star one of the candidates

Lamine Yamal’s injury opens up race for Zarra trophy; Barcelona star one of the candidates The injury to Lamine Yamal might not be as impactful for Barcelona, now that the La Liga title is almost sealed. In fact, the youngster’s injury has now opened up an interesting race for the Zarra trophy – an award given to the highest-scoring Spaniard in the league. It is a prize of formality in any normal season.

But in a World Cup year, securing the Zarra trophy could be significant in the context of getting selected in the Spanish national team later this summer. The race is on Yamal, who had been the leading candidate for the prize, will not feature again until the World Cup after picking up an injury. This leaves four players to fight it out for a trophy that carries significant weight in a World Cup year, as it frequently influences national team selection.

The two primary contenders are Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal, both of whom sit on 14 goals, just two behind Yamal’s tally. Ferran is a favourite to win Zarra’s trophy after Yamal’s injury (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) The pair are coincidentally the only recognised number nines considered guaranteed starters in Luis de la Fuente’s World Cup squad. Torres, who endured a difficult spell earlier in the campaign, has rediscovered his best form and carries a notable distinction, as all 14 of his goals have come from open play, with no penalties involved.

Oyarzabal matches him on 14 goals, though six of his have come from the spot. Ferran’s struggles earlier this season were well-documented, but his return to form has been timely. Further challengers to Oyarzabal and Ferran include Celta Vigo’s Borja Iglesias, who has 12 goals (four from penalties) and Alaves striker Toni Martinez, who has 11, none from the spot.