Barcelona’s Yamal Returns to National Team Amid Controversy

Lamine Yamal has recently completed the full 90 minutes in three of Barcelona’s last four matches, despite experiencing some discomfort from a chronic groin injury known as pubalgia, which is caused by a tear in the surrounding soft tissue. The 2025 Ballon d’Or runner-up participated in a 2-1 loss against Real Madrid last month, followed by an 88-minute performance against Elche. Most recently, he played an entire match in the Champions League against Club Brugge and contributed to a 4-2 victory away at Celta Vigo over the weekend.

In light of Yamal’s return to regular play, Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, defended his decision to include him in the squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey.

“The answer is clear. I observed his last match, and I believe he is in perfect condition,” De la Fuente stated during a press conference. “His coach confirmed he was ready to play. He is regaining his previous form, and we are pleased to see that. He will remain with us for as long as we deem appropriate.

“Having watched his recent performance, it is evident that Lamine is fit to compete. We have two significant matches ahead, and we must field our best players. The stakes are tremendous, and we aim to have our top talents on the field with us.”

During the international break in September, Yamal sustained an injury while representing the Spanish national team. This incident prompted frustration from Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, who expressed his concerns regarding the handling of player fitness by De la Fuente and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

“Lamine Yamal will not be available. He traveled with the national team while in pain and was unable to train,” Flick remarked at the time. “He received painkillers to participate. They had established a substantial lead in every match, yet he played for 73 and 79 minutes. In between matches, he couldn’t train. This does not constitute adequate care for the player. I am deeply saddened by this situation.”

De la Fuente responded to Flick’s comments, asserting that he was not interested in the criticisms. “Do you think that today, as I enjoy this moment in my homeland, I would still remember what Hansi Flick said? No, it does not concern me,” he told reporters in September.

In October, Flick continued to defend his position, stating, “I want to protect my player and support him. Many events have transpired, but for me, this matter is settled. I have no ill feelings about this situation. It is challenging for both De la Fuente and myself. My action was intended to protect my player, and I stand by it. Moving forward, we must collaborate effectively—players, clubs, and the RFEF.”

Luis Louzan, the president of the RFEF, clarified that the federation maintains ongoing communication with the respective clubs.

“We have acted in a coordinated manner and will continue to do so because the clubs’ interests come first. We must be meticulous in caring for the players in the national team,” Louzan stated. “Rest assured, there will be no controversy surrounding this issue. We prioritize perfect coordination between the Spanish Football Federation and each club manager.

“Luis de la Fuente enjoys a strong rapport with everyone. The Barcelona coach desires his players to be fit, and any disagreements are minor and will not escalate as we perceive no underlying tension.”

Spain’s national team will face Georgia on Saturday in Tbilisi, before hosting Turkey at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville next Tuesday. De la Fuente’s team currently leads their World Cup qualifying group and has already secured qualification for next year’s prestigious tournament, having scored 15 goals without conceding any in four matches.