Lamine Yamal has left Spain’s national team camp after receiving treatment for a groin injury, prompting frustration inside the Spanish football federation, Reuters reported. The 18-year-old Barcelona winger had already missed five club matches with the problem. Spain learned on Monday night that he underwent a radiofrequency procedure just as the national team camp was beginning.
According to the federation, medical staff were not informed ahead of time. They only received a late report advising the player to rest for seven to ten days. The RFEF said it made the decision to send Yamal home to protect his health during a crucial phase of World Cup qualifiers.
Federation and coach express surprise over lack of communication
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said he had never dealt with a situation like this. He told Radio Nacional de España that he was surprised by the news and troubled by the lack of information from outside medical staff. He explained that he had no details until the federation informed him and stressed that the player’s well-being comes first.
Yamal has delivered strong performances for Barcelona this season with six goals and six assists in 11 games. He has also earned 23 caps for Spain despite his young age.
Spain lead Group E with 12 points from four matches. They have scored 15 goals and kept a clean sheet in every game. The team will face Georgia on Saturday in Tbilisi, then return home to play Turkey on Tuesday in Seville.
Spain will qualify for the finals if they beat Georgia and Turkey fail to defeat Bulgaria. A draw would also work if Turkey lose.
