The ongoing tension between Barcelona and the Spanish national team surrounding Lamine Yamal has taken a fresh twist ahead of the international break. The 18-year-old winger has been released from Spain’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey due to a groin injury — but the way events unfolded has sparked a new storm between club and country.
Yamal had been called up by Spain last week, yet on Monday, he reportedly underwent a minor invasive medical procedure in Barcelona to treat his groin issue — a move that shocked the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), as they were not informed in advance.
Following the incident, the RFEF confirmed that Yamal has been granted 7–10 days of rest and allowed to return to Barcelona to recover.
RFEF’s Official Statement
In an official release, the RFEF stated:
“At 1:47 p.m. on Monday, the opening day of national team training, we were informed that Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency treatment earlier that morning for a groin injury. The medical staff expressed their surprise and concern upon learning this.”
The statement continued:
“This procedure was carried out without prior communication to the national team’s medical department. Later that evening, at 10:40 p.m., we received a full medical report recommending 7–10 days of rest. Considering the situation and prioritising the player’s health and welfare, Yamal has been officially released from the squad.”
Spain Coach Stunned by Barcelona’s Conduct
Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente openly expressed his disbelief over Barcelona’s handling of the matter. Speaking to RNE, he said:
“There are certain procedures that happen outside the RFEF’s control — that’s the reality, and we must accept it. However, I’ve never experienced anything like this before. It’s not normal, and I must admit, I was surprised, just as everyone else was.”
He added:
“When the issue concerns a player’s health and fitness, it’s impossible not to be astonished.”
A Feud That Won’t Fade
This is not the first time Yamal’s fitness has caused a rift between the two sides. The dispute originally began in September, when Yamal reportedly played for Spain’s national team while carrying an injury and was given painkiller treatment to take the field in World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey.
That aggravated his groin problem, forcing him to miss Barcelona’s matches against Valencia, Getafe, and Real Oviedo in La Liga, as well as a Champions League tie against Newcastle United.
Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick criticised Spain’s approach last month, saying:
“He played for the national team while in pain and didn’t train at all. They gave him painkillers just to play. That’s not how you take care of a player. I’m very disappointed.”
De la Fuente later responded sharply:
“I was surprised by those remarks. Flick himself was once a national team coach — I expected more empathy. He should know how things work with players. Hearing such words from a former coach was shocking.”
Yamal’s Outstanding Season Continues
Despite the controversy, Yamal has been in superb form for Barcelona this season — scoring six goals and providing six assists in 11 appearances.
In the European World Cup qualifiers, Spain currently sit top of Group E with an impeccable record: four wins from four, 15 goals scored, and just one conceded.
| Tournament | Matches | Wins | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifiers (Group E) | 4 | 4 | 15 | 1 | 12 | 1st |
Spain are set to face Georgia on Saturday and Turkey next Tuesday, but they will have to do so without their teenage sensation, who has now become the focal point of the Barcelona–Spain power struggle.
