Barcelona confirmed on Friday that 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal has been ruled out of Spain’s October World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria after suffering a recurrence of his groin injury.
The teenager, who only just returned in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks. His absence raises doubts over his availability for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26.
Yamal had missed four matches earlier this season with the same injury, prompting frustration from Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, who suggested it was aggravated by Spain’s decision to play him in September’s qualifiers.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, however, dismissed talk of tension with Flick, insisting their focus remains on the World Cup campaign.
“There is no conflict with Flick,” he said. “We are playing for the World Cup, that is what really matters. The rest is not important.”
De la Fuente also defended the national team’s handling of the youngster, explaining that medical staff had monitored him closely and that minor discomfort is not unusual for players.
Spain will also be without Nico Williams and Dani Carvajal for the qualifiers, while Alvaro Morata has been omitted from the squad after a slow start to his season at Como.
La Roja sit top of Group E with six points from two games and face Georgia in Elche on October 11 before hosting Bulgaria in Valladolid on October 14.
What you should know
Lamine Yamal’s groin injury setback means Spain will be without one of their brightest young stars for crucial World Cup qualifiers this month.
The issue has reignited debate between Barcelona and the national team over player management, while his recovery timeline could see him miss the highly anticipated Clasico against Real Madrid.
