Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has included Lamine Yamal in his squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, rejecting Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s concerns over the young winger’s fitness. The decision comes amid heated public debate regarding Yamal’s condition after returning from international duty with a groin issue.
Yamal, 18, had missed several games for Barcelona, including matches against Valencia, Newcastle United, and Real Oviedo, following his return from Spain duty. Flick had expressed frustration with how Spain handled the player, alleging that Yamal played through pain, used painkillers, and lacked rest between games.
Despite these concerns, de la Fuente has made it clear that Yamal remains part of his plans. Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has also weighed in, confirming that negotiations between the club and the federation have taken place to improve communication and player care protocols. Moreover, reports suggest Yamal has been called up for the qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria after recovering sufficiently.
Asked specifically about Flick’s criticisms—namely that Spain neglected to protect Yamal and overused him when “comfortable wins” were secured—de la Fuente’s response was dismissive. He said he neither remembers nor cares about the former’s public statements.
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Barcelona are said to be closely monitoring Yamal’s physical state, backing de la Fuente’s inclusion while maintaining that the club will avoid unnecessary risk. Flick’s earlier warnings emphasized that heavy minutes, especially when a player is dealing with discomfort, can lead to longer-term issues.
The development deepens what many observers see as a tension between club and country over young talents’ management—and whether short-term goals should ever outweigh long-term player welfare. As the international window approaches, all eyes will be on how Yamal performs and whether he can remain fit across two demanding fronts.
