De la Fuente explains Yamal’s delayed Spain arrival for knee treatment

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has defended the decision to allow Lamine Yamal to remain in Barcelona for treatment rather than immediately join the national squad. According to BBC Sport, the 19-year-old winger did not travel with Spain for Thursday’s Nations League match against the Czech Republic after experiencing discomfort and inflammation in his right knee.

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The problem followed Barcelona’s La Liga victory over Atletico Madrid. Yamal stayed with his club’s medical staff, with De la Fuente explaining on Wednesday that he had decided the player should avoid the journey and continue treatment at home. The coach presented the arrangement as his own decision about the player’s recovery, rather than an exemption granted at Yamal’s request.

De la Fuente rejected suggestions in Spanish media that the delayed arrival amounted to preferential treatment. He said the same approach would have been taken with any other player in similar circumstances and criticised reporting he regarded as inaccurate. His response addressed the claim that Yamal was receiving different treatment because he was not required to report to the national team immediately.

The BBC also reported that Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal was expected to join Spain’s squad later than his teammates. Oyarzabal was recovering from flu and had recently welcomed his second child. Both players were therefore expected to link up after the rest of the group, although the circumstances behind their delayed arrivals were different.

Yamal’s availability comes amid scrutiny of his workload for club and country. The BBC reported that he has made 16 Barcelona appearances this season, contributing 13 goals and 12 assists. He played 45 club matches last season and has appeared 14 times for Spain in 2026, continuing to hold a prominent role for both teams while still a teenager.

De la Fuente said Yamal’s recovery was progressing well and that Spain believed he would join the squad on Friday. That remains an expectation rather than confirmation of his return or fitness to play. Spain are scheduled to face England on Sunday at 19:45 GMT.