Key Highlights
- The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) expressed surprise and concern after releasing Lamine Yamal from the Spain squad following a groin procedure.
- Lamine Yamal was selected for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey on 15 and 18 November, respectively.
- The RFEF said they were not informed about Yamal’s procedure until late Monday afternoon, just as training began.
- Spain manager Luis de la Fuente called up Rayo Vallecano’s Jorge de Frutos to replace Yamal in the squad.
Surprise and Concern from RFEF Following Lamine Yamal’s Release
The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) has expressed both surprise and concern after releasing Lamine Yamal, a 18-year-old Barcelona winger, from the Spain squad. This decision came following his groin procedure on Monday, which was not communicated to RFEF medical staff until late in the evening.
According to an official statement released by the RFEF, the national team’s medical services learned at 22:40 on Monday that Lamine Yamal had undergone a radiofrequency procedure earlier that same morning. The procedure was carried out without prior communication with the national team’s medical staff. A recommendation of 7–10 days of rest was indicated in a report received by RFEF.
Health and Safety Prioritized
In light of this situation, the RFEF decided to release Yamal from the squad, prioritizing his health, safety, and well-being. The decision comes as a surprise to many, given that RFEF typically ensures all players are fit and ready for international duty.
Recent Tensions Resurface Between Spain and Barcelona
This latest incident has further strained relations between the Spanish national team and Barcelona. Lamine Yamal was part of the Euro 2024 champion squad, where he played significant minutes in both international matches against Georgia and Turkey.
During September’s international break, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick publicly criticized Spain for not taking care of their players. RFEF insisted that no risks were taken if a player is fit for his club, while De la Fuente stated that he accepted procedures might take place outside the federation but had never experienced such a situation.
Before the October international break, RFEF included Yamal in their squad despite Barcelona’s statement clarifying that the player was injured. This latest update perhaps comes as no surprise to those familiar with the ongoing tensions between the club and national team.
Future Implications for Lamine Yamal
The immediate impact of this decision is clear: Rayo Vallecano’s Jorge de Frutos has been called up to replace Yamal in the World Cup qualifiers. The long-term implications, however, may extend beyond just this match and could affect future player selections.
Sources at Barcelona say their medical team maintains constant communication with RFEF and that they are acting responsibly, with the sole objective of ensuring the player’s recovery. This incident highlights the complex relationship between club and national team medical staff and the potential challenges in managing players’ health across different entities.
Spain’s Euro 2024 champions remain top of Group E with two games remaining, three points above Turkey. The next steps will be closely watched to see how this situation unfolds for both Yamal and RFEF.
