Spanish Coach Criticizes Barcelona For Lamine Yamal's Injury

JAKARTA - The coach of the Spanish National Team (Timnas), Luis de la Fuente, criticized the lack of communication with Barcelona regarding Lamine Yamal's fitness condition.

He said La Roja should have been informed beforehand about the treatment that left him out of the training camp on Monday, November 10, 2025, local time.

Yamal was included in Spain's squad for the match against Georgia and Turkey during this international break, but went through what the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) called an invasive radiofrequency procedure on Monday requiring a break of between seven and 10 days.

The forward made three appearances for Barcelona last week -- played 88 minutes against Elche, 90 minutes against Club Brugge, and 89 minutes against Celta Vigo -- after battling the groin problem in recent months.

"Lamine joined because we didn't know there was a problem. She didn't know exactly what she had done."

"He doesn't know the recovery process, or the consequences. We don't know anything. He has to go home," De la Fuente told Cadena COPE radio on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, local time.

Managing Yamal's fitness has been a continuing problem this season, with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick accusing the Spanish national team of not paying attention to the player in September 2025.

Yamal was then forced to withdraw from the next Spanish squad in October 2025.

"We have to pay attention (Yamal). I think he's back at his best, but it's not over yet, so this injury isn't over yet."

"We have to pay attention to it, not only us, but also the Spanish national team," Flick said at the weekend.

Furthermore, De la Fuente tried to quell the dispute on Tuesday, denying that he was unhappy with Flick's handling of the matter.

"What is needed is communication, good relationships, and sharing information. In this case, nothing."

"I can't say whether (the procedure) should be done or not, it depends on the club."

"We didn't know that it would be done before. We should have been informed about the treatment before, not afterwards," said De la Fuente.

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Barcelona president Joan Laporta denied that the Catalan club was hiding information from the federation.

He told Radio Catalunya that his party informed La Roja as soon as they found out.

"When the doctor who treated him told us he needed a 10-day break, we told the Spanish national team."

"We respect everyone, we are not trying to cause trouble. We are trying to recover our players at the best speed for us."

"This doctor came on Monday, he is an expert and recommends this treatment. We want Lamine to be available to the club."

"His rest time coincides with the Spanish national team's game, but I don't think it will interfere with the team's chance to qualify (World Cup 2026) because they are much more prepared."

"We are doing what we have to do for the best of Barcelona," said Laporta.

Yamal has become a key player for De la Fuente's Spain, becoming a star as they won Euro 2024 and reached the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The coach denied that he felt he had been less respected by Barcelona in this latest dispute.

"There is something much more important than Luis de la Fuente, which is the feeling of a country, a Spanish national team."

"That's what's missing. I have to stay calm. My position is not possible to be dramatic or easily offended. It's a big responsibility. I represent the whole country," said De la Fuente.