Lamine Yamal stayed in Barcelona to treat knee inflammation after Spain’s medical staff assessed him. He missed the UEFA Nations League match against the Czech Republic in Prague on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The discomfort began after Barcelona’s La Liga win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, Nov. 8. “It has been decided that [Yamal] remain in Barcelona to continue his recovery process,” the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said, adding it expects him to join his teammates “the coming days to be available to face England.”
Yamal is 19 years old. He has 37 caps for Spain and helped the country win Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup. He has 13 goals and 12 assists in 16 games for Barcelona this season. Defending world champion Spain leads Group A3 of the Nations League with 12 points from four matches. Spain holds a three-point lead over second-place England and has booked a quarter-final berth.
“Lamine suffered an injury and felt discomfort in his knee. He went for the usual treatment, and they discovered fluid in the knee and inflammation. That required rest,” De la Fuente said at a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The coach responded to media reports that suggested Yamal received preferential treatment. He said the decision applied to any player in this condition.
“Nuestro servicio médico lo vio y yo decidí que, para evitar este viaje, preferí que se quedara en su casa entrenando con el club,” De la Fuente said. “Lamine doesn’t have any special privileges. We would have done this for any other player.”
De la Fuente expressed frustration with how the news was reported. “What hurts me most is the lying, the lack of rigor, the absence of truthfulness and the fabrication. I can't stand people who try to deceive you and lie.”
The team has gone 43 matches without a loss.
“The evolution is good. The recovery is good and we believe that on Friday he will be with us,” he said.
Earlier coverage: Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente rejected claims that Lamine Yamal received preferential treatment
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