Spain Left ‘Shocked’ as Lamine Yamal Undergoes Groin Treatment Without Informing National Team Doctors
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has expressed “surprise and concern” after discovering that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal underwent a groin radiofrequency procedure just hours before reporting for international duty — without prior notification to Spain’s medical staff.
The 18-year-old winger, who helped Spain win Euro 2024, was initially called up for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia (15 November) and Turkey (18 November). However, after learning of the treatment, the federation confirmed that Yamal has been released from the squad to prioritize his recovery.
RFEF Statement: ‘Lamine Yamal’s Health Comes First’
In an official statement, the RFEF revealed that they learned about the invasive medical procedure only after it was completed, calling the situation unprecedented and concerning:
“The medical services of the Royal Spanish Football Federation wish to express their surprise and concern upon learning, at 13:47 on Monday 10 November — the day the national team’s official training camp began — that Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure earlier that same morning to treat discomfort in his pubic area.
This procedure was carried out without prior communication to the national team’s medical staff, who only became aware of the details through a report received late at night, indicating a medical recommendation of 7–10 days of rest.”
The statement concluded that, with the player’s health and wellbeing as the top priority, the federation had decided to release Yamal from the current national team camp.
In Yamal’s absence, Rayo Vallecano’s Jorge de Frutos has been called up as a replacement.
Luis de la Fuente: ‘I’ve Never Experienced Anything Like This’
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente voiced his frustration and confusion over the lack of communication, describing the situation as “not normal.”
“I had never experienced a situation like this. You don’t know anything, you haven’t heard anything, and then they tell you about health issues — it leaves you surprised,” De la Fuente said.
Despite the setback, Spain remain top of Group E in the World Cup qualifying campaign, three points ahead of Turkey with two games remaining.
Barcelona and Spain’s Tense Relationship Deepens
⚽ Background of the Dispute
Relations between Barcelona and the Spanish national team have been increasingly strained — and Lamine Yamal has become the focal point of the growing tension.
During the September international break, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick criticized the Spanish coaching staff for not adequately managing player workloads. At the time, Yamal joined the Spain squad with a minor groin issue, but after playing substantial minutes in both fixtures, he aggravated the injury and missed four matches for Barcelona afterward.
De la Fuente defended his decision, saying that if a player is fit enough to represent their club, they are eligible for national selection.
However, the tension resurfaced again in October, when De la Fuente named Yamal in his squad — only for Barcelona to release a statement hours later confirming that the teenager was injured.
The RFEF countered by claiming that Yamal “reported no complaints” when he joined the national camp, illustrating the communication gap between the two organizations.
November Incident Escalates the Rift
The latest episode has once again exposed the fragile relationship between Barcelona’s medical staff and the Spanish federation.
While the RFEF insists they were blindsided by Yamal’s groin treatment, sources within Barcelona say that their medical team maintains constant communication with Spain’s doctors and that every decision is made in consultation with the player to ensure his recovery and long-term fitness.
A Barcelona insider told Spanish media:
“We are acting responsibly and transparently. Lamine’s treatment was agreed upon by the player, the club, and medical professionals to guarantee his wellbeing. There was no intention to exclude the federation.”
Spain’s Focus Shifts to Qualification
Despite the controversy, Spain’s preparations for their final qualifiers continue. The Euro 2024 champions are within touching distance of securing direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Yamal’s absence, however, will be felt. The teenage sensation has been one of Spain’s most exciting prospects, contributing goals, assists, and flair since breaking into both Barcelona and the national team setups.
De la Fuente emphasized that the focus now must be on the team:
“Lamine is an important player, but his health comes first. We will support him fully and hope to have him back soon.”
Who Is Lamine Yamal?
- Age: 18
- Club: FC Barcelona
- Position: Winger
- National Team: Spain
- Major Honors: Euro 2024 Champion
- Notable Record: Youngest-ever player to score for Spain and Barcelona in competitive fixtures
Yamal’s meteoric rise has made him one of the most talked-about talents in world football. However, his recurring groin issues have raised concerns about player fatigue and workload management, particularly given the high intensity of both club and international fixtures.
Conclusion: Communication Breakdown Highlights Bigger Issue
The Lamine Yamal situation underscores a wider problem in modern football — the lack of synchronization between club and country medical protocols. As Spain chase qualification and Barcelona protect one of their brightest assets, both parties face mounting pressure to improve communication and safeguard the future of their shared star.
For now, Yamal will focus on recovery, while Spain — under the watchful eye of Luis de la Fuente — look to finish their qualifying campaign on a high.
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