The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has officially announced that Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal has withdrawn from the current national team training camp due to injury. This decision has sparked widespread discussion and controversy.
After missing Spain’s two matches in October due to injury, Yamal was expected to return in November to join the national team for the final two games of the 2026 World Cup European qualifiers.
However, on Tuesday, the RFEF released a statement revealing that its medical department learned Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency treatment on Monday, November 10, the very first day of Spain’s national team camp, to relieve discomfort in his pubic area.
RFEF Shocked by Lack of Prior Notification
What surprised the federation was that the national team’s medical staff were not informed of this procedure in advance. According to the RFEF, they only became aware of it after receiving a medical report from Barcelona later that evening.
The report stated that Yamal would need seven to ten days of rest to ensure a full recovery. Out of concern for the player’s health and safety, the Spanish FA decided to withdraw him from the current call-up and allow him to remain with his club for recovery.
Growing Tensions Between National Team and Club
The way the situation was handled left the federation both shocked and dissatisfied.
According to L’équipe, serious disagreements have arisen between the Spanish national team and Barcelona over the management of Yamal’s injury, resulting in mounting tension between the two sides.
The RFEF reportedly believes that Barcelona’s failure to communicate in advance disrupted the national team’s planning and medical coordination.
De la Fuente: “I’ve Never Experienced Anything Like This”
Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, expressed his surprise when speaking to the media about the incident.
He said, “To some extent, this happened outside the federation’s control, and that’s just the situation; we have to accept it. Honestly, I’ve never experienced anything like this. You receive no information, no details, and since it concerns a player’s health, of course, you’re surprised.”
Spain Still Dominant in Group E
Despite the off-field controversy, Spain’s position in the European Qualifiers remains strong. The team has won all four matches in Group E, earning 12 points and sitting comfortably at the top of the table, three points ahead of Turkey, with a goal difference advantage of 12.
Spain will face Georgia away in the next round, where a victory guarantees them first place in the group. In the final match, they will host Turkey, and as long as they avoid a heavy defeat, qualification will be secured.
Health Comes First for the Young Star
Although Yamal’s absence is a setback in Spain’s preparations, the team’s overall form remains solid, and its squad depth is sufficient to handle the remaining matches.
For the 17-year-old prodigy, maintaining his health is far more important than returning to action too soon. Both the national team and the club share the same goal, ensuring that Yamal returns to the pitch in top condition and continues to shine as one of the brightest hopes for the future of Spanish football.
