Spain’s UEFA Nations League campaign has suffered a minor blow as Barcelona’s promising attacker Lamine Yamal will miss Tuesday’s contest against Serbia due to a minor issue.
The 17-year-old Yamal was seen limping following Spain’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday, sparking concerns about a potential injury.
However, head coach Luis de la Fuente has alleviated fears, suggesting the forward suffered from rough treatment by Denmark players rather than a muscular problem.
Yamal’s absence from the Serbia match is precautionary, as La Roja seeks to ensure the teenager’s full recovery.
De la Fuente‘s assessment indicates the issue is merely a knock, providing relief for both Spain and Barcelona fans.
He said:
“You have to apply the toughness that the rules allow.”
There is a referee there to mark the limit. Against young players with his talent, [opponents] try to intimidate and look for contact.
“The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it.
I would love it to be a bed of roses, Flower Power, but this sport is like that.
Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us from the right flank.
“He has a special talent. From there, I had a teammate who used to say: ‘What do you want, kisses [from the opponents]?’ Teams use the weapons they can within the rules.”
Spain confirm Yamal withdrawal from squad
Spain have now confirmed that Yamal escaped a “structural injury” against Denmark, but he will not be risked for his country’s next game in the Nations League against Serbia.
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“‘Lamine Yamal underwent an MRI this morning in Madrid to assess the discomfort reported after the match against Denmark,” read a statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
“The tests did not detect any structural injury and the RFEF medical services confirmed that it was an overload.
Prioritising the player’s health and to avoid any risk of injury, given the imminent match against Serbia, it has been decided to withdraw him from the squad.”
Yamal made his debut for Spain in September 2023, and he has represented his national side on 17 occasions, scoring three goals and registering nine assists in the process.
The youngster has been in outstanding form for Barcelona during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring five goals and registering five assists in 11 appearances in all competitions.
Yamal has scored four goals and registered five assists in nine La Liga appearances this term, while he has netted once in two outings in the Champions League.
Barcelona will be back in action against Sevilla in La Liga next weekend, and Yamal is expected to be in the starting side, with that game coming ahead of fixtures against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the Champions League and La Liga respectively.
Yamal’s emergence has been impressive, and his potential absence had raised concerns about Spain’s attacking depth.
Nevertheless, with the minor nature of the injury confirmed, expectations are that the young forward will swiftly return to action.
Spain will now focus on securing a positive result against Serbia, while Yamal’s recovery will be closely monitored to ensure his availability for Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures.
