Lamine Yamal’s Spain Squad Exit Stuns Luis de la Fuente

Lamine Yamal’s withdrawal from the Spain squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers has shocked head coach Luis de la Fuente and reignited tensions between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Lamine Yamal’s Sudden Departure from Spain Squad

Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona sensation, was released from Spain’s national team just as preparations began for critical World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey. The decision followed Yamal undergoing a radiofrequency procedure to treat pubic discomfort—a move that both surprised and dismayed the RFEF. The federation stated they were only informed after the procedure had taken place, with medical recommendations advising Yamal to rest for seven to ten days.

In their official statement, the RFEF emphasized their concern for the player’s wellbeing, noting: “The RFEF Medical Services wish to express their surprise and dismay upon learning at 1:47 p.m. on Monday, November 10, the day the official training camp with the national team began, that player Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure… This procedure was performed without prior notification to the national team’s medical staff.” The federation insisted that Yamal’s health would remain their top priority, wishing him a swift recovery.

Luis de la Fuente Reacts to Yamal’s Medical Update

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his astonishment at the turn of events, declaring, “I’ve never seen anything like it.” He elaborated that the procedure was conducted outside the federation’s control and lamented the lack of communication from Barcelona. “You don’t have any news, you don’t know any details, and on top of that, it’s a health issue, so you’re left surprised,” De la Fuente said in an interview with RNE Deportes.

This episode further stirs the ongoing rivalry between Barcelona and the RFEF, particularly following previous disputes over player management. De la Fuente has previously defended his decisions regarding Yamal’s call-ups, clashing with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick over the teenager’s fitness and readiness for international duty.

Barcelona’s Approach to Lamine Yamal’s Recovery

According to reports from journalist Fernando Polo, Barcelona are actively exploring treatment options for Yamal’s pubalgia—a chronic groin condition notorious for causing discomfort and threatening player performance. The radiofrequency procedure, which targets pain signals in the groin through electrical currents delivered by fine needles, is minimally invasive and rarely requires hospitalisation. Nonetheless, the timing and lack of consultation with the RFEF medical team has reportedly angered federation officials.

Barcelona’s caution reflects their determination to keep Yamal fit for their own key fixtures, including an upcoming match against Athletic Club. The club expects Yamal to be ready for action on November 22, barring any further setbacks.

Spain’s World Cup Qualifications: High Stakes Without Yamal

The absence of Lamine Yamal is a significant blow for Spain’s ambitions in the World Cup qualifiers. De la Fuente had counted on the teenager’s talent for the matches against Georgia and Turkey, stressing the importance of fielding the country’s best players for these decisive fixtures. “We have two hugely important matches to qualify for the World Cup, the stakes are massive and we want the best players with us,” he insisted.

RFEF and Barcelona: Cooperation or Conflict?

Despite mounting controversy, RFEF president Rafael Louzan sought to downplay any suggestion of deep-seated conflict between the federation and Barcelona. He acknowledged minor disagreements but insisted that relations between the national team and the club remained cordial. “Luis de la Fuente has a very good relationship with everyone,” Louzan stated, while admitting that Flick “wants his players in perfect condition.” He concluded that recent exchanges were mere minor disagreements unlikely to escalate.

Lamine Yamal’s Future: Focus on Recovery

As Spain pursues World Cup qualification, all eyes will be on Yamal’s recovery. Both Barcelona and the RFEF will be monitoring his progress closely, hoping for a swift return to fitness that will benefit both club and country.

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Opinion: Transparency Must Improve in Player Management

Lamine Yamal’s situation highlights a broader issue in football: the need for clearer communication between clubs and national teams. While prioritizing player health is critical, decisions must be coordinated to avoid confusion, surprise, and unnecessary tension. Both Barcelona and the RFEF should use this incident to strengthen protocols and cooperation, ensuring top talents like Yamal are managed effectively and safely.