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In a surprising development, it has come to light that Spain’s national team manager, Luis de la Fuente, did not want Lamine Yamal to return to Barcelona unless tests confirmed an actual injury (h/t FCB World).
The young Barcelona star picked up a muscle overload during Spain’s recent match against Denmark after being on the receiving end of several tough challenges from the opposition. Yamal left the venue limping, which raised concerns about his fitness.
Following this, Yamal returned to Barcelona due to ongoing muscle discomfort. Although the initial fears seemed alarming, both the Spanish Football Federation and Barcelona took a cautious approach.
They decided not to risk the player’s health, despite positive signs within 24 hours of the match against Denmark.
“Prioritising the player’s health and to avoid any risk of injury, given the immediacy of the match against Serbia, it is decided to dismiss him,” read a statement from the RFEF medical team.
Barcelona have reasons to worry
Lamine Yamal suffered a series of challenges against Denmark. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
This cautious stance reflects the clubs’ concerns after similar incidents involving players like Pedri and Gavi, who previously suffered from muscle overload while on international duty.
Although the injury to Yamal does not appear to be serious, de la Fuente’s stance on keeping him with the national team has sparked controversy.
His handling of young players in the past has been questioned, with concerns over their physical well-being following intensive use in matches.
Barcelona, however, had been eager to bring Yamal back to ensure his full recovery and avoid risking him in the upcoming match against Serbia.
The club’s main objective was to give him enough rest ahead of his return to club football this weekend.
With Yamal safely back in Barcelona, the club can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he will be available for upcoming fixtures, without further risking his health.
