Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has said he’s “shocked” at news that Lamine Yamal has been withdrawn from his squad for World Cup qualifiers against Turkey and Georgia.
Yamal has dropped out after undergoing treatment for pubalgia that means he needs to rest for 7-10 days. The RFEF confirmed the news in a statement, saying they were 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 later today.
“There are procedures that happen outside the Federation’s control. That’s just how it is, and we have to accept it,” he told RNE Deportes.
“I’ve never experienced a situation like this before. I don’t think it’s 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’re left surprised.”
Barcelona have made the move in a bid to help look after Yamal and help ease his ongoing pubalgia issues which makes Spain’s outrage at the situation all the more bizarre. La Roja are on the brink of qualification and will surely want Yamal in peak condition for World Cup 2026.
