Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has said he is “shocked” by the news that Lamine Yamal has been withdrawn from his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Turkey and Georgia.
Yamal dropped out after undergoing treatment for pubalgia, which means he needs to rest for 7 to 10 days. The RFEF confirmed the news in a statement, saying it was surprised and dismayed by the development.
De la Fuente has been asked about the situation in a new interview that will be broadcast in full today.
“There are procedures that happen outside the control of the Federation. That’s how things are and we have to accept it,” he told RNE Deportes.
“I had never experienced a situation like this before. I don’t think it is very normal. Of course it surprised me, like everyone else. You have no prior knowledge, you don’t know any details, and I insist, with health issues… you are surprised.”
Barcelona have made the move in a bid to help care for Yamal and help alleviate his current pubalgia problems, making Spain’s outrage at the situation even stranger. La Roja is on the brink of qualification and will surely want Yamal to be in optimal condition for the 2026 World Cup.