Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has suffered a fresh groin injury setback, forcing his withdrawal from Spain’s squad.
His trademark flair for Barcelona and breakthrough performances have convinced both club and country that he is destined for superstardom.
But that same dual demand has recently fueled the kind of tension many fear for young talents thrust into the spotlight so soon.
As Lamine Yamal continues to dazzle fans, the intensity of elite football takes a physical—and at times, political—toll that cannot be ignored.
This week, it was revealed that Lamine Yamal has been released from the Spain national squad ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers, as reported by the official RFEF X page.
The winger has been managing pubic discomfort, diagnosed as pubalgia, since September—a problem that forced him to miss duty last month and once again pushes him to the sidelines.
Earlier this week, Yamal underwent a radiofrequency medical procedure in Barcelona to treat the issue.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) was reportedly surprised and dismayed to learn of the intervention only after it was completed, receiving notification hours later via a late-night report, which recommended a rest period of seven to ten days.
This incident escalates the long-standing friction between FC Barcelona and the RFEF regarding Yamal’s management.
The club’s decision to treat their player without a prior briefing to the national team medics reignited debate, especially given past injuries that have strained relations between Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and Spain boss Luis de la Fuente.
Flick has previously criticized Spain’s approach, suggesting Yamal’s welfare wasn’t always adequately prioritized.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that, until the announcement, Yamal had started Barcelona’s last several matches, looking close to full fitness in recent outings.
For now, the federation has emphasized that the priority is Yamal’s health, ruling him out of Spain’s upcoming games and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
