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Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has dismissed claims that Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal enjoys special privileges in the national team, insisting that every player would receive the same treatment under similar circumstances.
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Yamal was left out of Spain’s travelling squad for the UEFA Nations League clash against the Czech Republic after experiencing discomfort and inflammation in his right knee during Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid.
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De la Fuente expressed his frustration over reports suggesting that Yamal was receiving preferential treatment, stressing that the decision to allow him to remain in Barcelona for treatment was based entirely on medical advice.
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The 19-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, recording 13 goals and 12 assists in 16 appearances for Barcelona, and is expected to rejoin Spain ahead of Sunday’s Nations League encounter against England.
November 12, (THEWILL) – Spain head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has defended Barcelona youngster, Lamine Yamal, following suggestions that the winger was receiving preferential treatment from the national team after being allowed to join the squad later than his teammates.
The 19-year-old was left out of Spain’s travelling squad for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League encounter against the Czech Republic after experiencing discomfort and inflammation in his right knee.
He sustained the knee problem during Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, and remained in Barcelona to continue his recovery under the supervision of the club’s medical team.
His delayed arrival sparked discussions in the Spanish media, with reports questioning whether the Barcelona forward was being granted special privileges because of his growing importance to the national team.
De la Fuente shut down the suggestions that the Barcelona young star was being granted special privileges because of his growing importance to the national team.
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He said: “Our medical staff assessed him, and I decided that, to avoid the trip, it would be better for him to stay home for treatment with his club.
“Lamine doesn’t have any special privileges. We would have done this for any other player.”
He also expressed his frustration over reports suggesting that the decision was influenced by Yamal’s status as one of the country’s biggest football stars.
De la Fuente added: “What hurts me most is the lying, the lack of rigour, the absence of truthfulness and the fabrication,”
“I can’t stand people who try to deceive you and lie. The recovery is going well, and we believe he will be with us on Friday.
Yamal has enjoyed a stunning start to the season, scoring 13 goals and 12 assists in 16 appearances for Barcelona this season.
Spain have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after collecting 12 points from their opening four matches.
Yamal is expected to return to action for Spain against England on Sunday.
