Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has dismissed claims that Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal received special treatment after being allowed to join the national team squad later than his teammates.
The 19-year-old was left out of Spain’s travelling squad for Thursday’s Nations League match against the Czech Republic after experiencing discomfort and inflammation in his right knee following Barcelona’s La Liga victory over Atletico Madrid.
Yamal remained in Barcelona to continue his recovery under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.
As reported by BBC Sport, speaking on Wednesday, De la Fuente explained that the decision was taken to avoid unnecessary travel and allow the winger to receive treatment.
“I decided that, to avoid the trip, it would be better for him to stay at home and continue treatment with his club,” the coach said.
He rejected suggestions that the Barcelona youngster was being given preferential treatment, insisting that the same arrangement would have been made for any other player in similar circumstances.
“Lamine Yamal doesn’t have any special privileges. We would have done this for any other player,” De la Fuente stated.
The Spain coach also expressed frustration over reports suggesting that the decision was influenced by Yamal’s status in the national team.
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“What hurts me most is the lying, the lack of rigour, the absence of truthfulness and the fabrication. I can’t stand people who try to deceive you and lie,” he added.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal is also expected to join the Spanish squad later as he recovers from flu and celebrates the arrival of his second child.
The controversy comes amid growing attention on Yamal’s workload, with the teenager playing an important role for both Barcelona and Spain.
The forward has made 16 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists.
He also featured in 45 matches last season and has made 14 appearances for Spain in 2026.
De la Fuente expressed optimism about Yamal’s recovery, revealing that the winger could rejoin the national team squad ahead of Sunday’s match against England.
“The recovery is going well and we believe he will be with us on Friday,” he said.
Yamal’s availability for the England encounter will depend on his recovery from the knee discomfort.
Source: Punch · Gilbert Ekugbe
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